Christian Media, Books, Music & Entertainment from The Atlanta Christian Web & Atlanta Christian Magazine

September 10, 2025

In This Issue

Christian Music & Entertainment

from The Atlanta Christian Web

Grammy WInner

ZACH WILLIAMS' New Album Explores Being Hated by the World for ‘Loving God.’ Dedicates ‘Jesus Loves’ To the Misfits & the Outcasts

(Zach Willilams' "Jesus Loves," the title track from his new album, is up a spot at #3 this week on Billboard's CCM charts. His collaboration with Emerson Day, "Get Behind Me," is also up to #5.)

<<Zach Williams has a compelling new theme for his new album — it’s all about the love of God and not caring what the world thinks.

<<His album, "Jesus Loves," will come out on Sept. 19. It features 12 tracks, including one called “Friend in High Places” about his testimony, Crosswalk reported on Sept. 5.

<<Williams has worked on this album for over two years. He entered the Christian music scene nine years ago with his album and song, “Chain breaker.”

<<“Every time I go out and play, I hear stories [from fans] — and they just all remind me of myself 10 years ago,” Williams told Crosswalk Headlines.

<<He hopes he attracts listeners who like his style of rock, country and bluegrass that isn’t like mainstream worship and says God’s love and the gospel is for every person. “No matter what you’ve done in your life, no matter where you’ve been, what you’re going through,” he said.

<<One of his new tracks, “Hate,” written by Jonathon Smith and Casey Beathard, talks about being “hated” for being a Christian.

<<“Being loved by the world is overrated — I think I’d rather be hated for lovin’ You,” some of the lyrics read.

<<“And as soon as I heard it, I was floored. And I was like, ‘Dude, please — I want to record that song.’ And they were kind of like, ‘Well, that’s what we were hoping for.'”

<<“Man, so many of us can relate to that — trying to please the world, and straddling the fence, basically…People are gonna hate you for loving God,” Williams said. He referenced John 15:18, where Jesus says, “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first.”

Click Here To Read The Full Story

Billboard Magazine's Current Top Contemporary Christian

Music Chart

#1 (LW1) -

Phil Wickham

"What An Awesome God"

(from Song of the Saints)

(6 Weeks at #1)

#2 (LW2) - Elevation Worship, Brandon Lake, Chris Brown

“I Know A Name"

(Single)

#3 (LW4) - Zach Williams

“Jesus Loves"

(from Jesus Loves )

#4 (LW3) - Forrest Frank

“Your Way's Better“

(from Child of God II)

#4 (LW2) - Emerson Day

Featuring Zach WIlliams

“Get Behind Me"

(Single)

Click Here For This Week's Top 25

Contemporary Christian Music Songs

Metro Atlanta Christian Concerts & Family Events

Sunday, September 28

Jokes For Humans Comedy Tour

John Crist

At Georgia Mountain Fair Anderson Music Hall

1311 Music Hall Rd,

Hiawassee, GA 30546

Atlanta born John Crist is one of today's fast-rising stand-up comedians, with more than one billion video views, over seven million fans on social media and sold-out shows from coast to coast making Pollstar's Top 100 Global tours list in 2029 with over 197,000 tickets sold.

7:00 p.m. (706) 896-4191

www.georgiamountainfairgrounds.com

Sunday, October 12

Gospel Music Show

Southbound, The Martins

& High Road

At Georgia Mountain Fair Anderson Music Hall

1311 Music Hall Rd,

Hiawassee, GA 30546

Southbound is a contemporary Southern Gospel Trio. Join Bishop Clint Brown, Seth J. Elbe, and Jody Braselton as they travel toward their roots of Southern Gospel music, with its powerful lyrics and harmonies! They are bringing a brand new sound to some old classics and a soulful feel to some new songs!

2:00 p.m. Admission: $20, Ticket includes Fall Festival admission (706) 896-4191

www.georgiamountainfairgrounds.com

Click Here For All Upcoming Concerts and Links For More Information

Billboard Magazine's

Current Top

Gospel Music Chart

#1 (LW1) - Erica Campbell

"Trust & Obey"

(from I Love You)

(2nd Week at #1)

2 (LW3) - Zacardi Cortez

"Work It Out For Me"

(from Ibhar:

He That Is Chosen (Chapter 1))

#3 (LW2) - Me'Kayla

"Give Me You"

(Single)

#4 (LW6) - VaShawn Mitchell

"Make A Way"

(Single)

#5 (LW7) - Bri Babineaux

"Confident"

(Single)

Click Here For This Week's Top 25

Gospel Music Songs

ZACARDI CORTEZ

‘Working It Out’ One Powerful Song At A Time

(Zacardi Cortez's "Work It Out For Me" from his new album

"Ibhar: He That Is Chosen (Chapter 1)

is up to #2 this week on Billboard's Gospel Music charts)

<<If you’ve been anywhere near gospel music lately, you’ve probably heard “Work It Out For Me” — the powerful new single from Zacardi Cortez, that’s quickly becoming an anthem for believers everywhere. With over a million views and streams (and still climbing!), the song has clearly struck a chord.

<<Zacardi delivers “Work It Out For Me” with his signature passion and powerhouse vocals, reminding us all to keep the faith and trust that God can—and will—work things out. The track is part of his latest album, "Ibhar: He That Is Chosen (Chapter 1)." .

<<“When I heard it, I immediately locked in on it. like the song was written just for me. I don’t feel like I do it justice; it’s just a BIG song.”

<<His 7-song EP is inspired by and a reflection of Zacardi’s journey to understanding what being chosen by God really means. Taking the lead on production, Zacardi crafts a masterful body of work, including Jekalyn Carr, Chrystal Rucker, Jason Nelson and Jonathan Nelson.

<<One of the highlights is “Matthew 4:4” Inspired by part of Zacardi’s childhood, he tells the story of being 8 years old and going to the empty fridge.. He asked his mom why there wasn’t any food. She said to read Matthew 4:4, which ays, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.” Young Zacardi read the scripture over and over until he fell asleep.

<<Zacardi has had four #1 Billboard Gospel Airplay singles including “Lord Do It Again,” “You Don’t Know,” with James Fortune,. and “God Held Me (Together).”

'Light of the World': Animated Movie About Jesus Lands in Top 10 at Box Office

<<An uplifting animated movie about the life of Jesus made it into the Top 10 at the box office in its opening weekend. "Light of the World" landed in the #9 slot, earning more than $2.4 million.

<<The movie tells the story of Christ from the beginning of His ministry through His crucifixion and resurrection, as seen through the eyes of his youngest disciple, John.

<<The year is AD 30, and the people of God are expectantly awaiting the coming Messiah. While Jesus isn't exactly what they imagined, John, James, Andrew, Peter, and their new friends discover that there is something very special about this man. As they follow Jesus of Nazareth on an amazing adventure, He changes the world forever.

<<"Light of the World" is produced by The Salvation Poem Project with a $20 million production budget which combines modern approaches to 2D animation with masterful storytelling and compelling artistry.

<<It's directed by John Schafer (CBN's "Superbook") and Tom Bancroft (former Disney Animator The Lion King, Mulan, Aladdin) with Animation Director Tony Bancroft (Mulan, Mary Poppins Returns, Space Jam: A New Legacy).

<<The movie was created using the classic 2D Animation form rather than 3D animation because Schafer sees it is a timeless, charming medium.

<<"We really wanted to create a story made for everyone…I mean people who have no concept of the Bible and no concept of Jesus," he said. "We wanted to make it feel like a children's storybook come to life and we knew the only way to achieve that look and feel was through 2D animation."

Click Here For The Full Story

KATE STRICKLER
"I Just Wish I Had
A Bigger Kitchen"

Kate Strickler's,

"I Just Wish I Had A Bigger Kitchen: And Other Lies I Think Will Make Me Happy" entered September's Top 25 Christian Book Seller's list at #2.

<<Kate Strickler, author of "I Just Wish I Had a Bigger Kitchen," shared candid wisdom on learning to love life’s seasons as they are. “Love the home you are already in,” she encouraged, not just physical spaces but the seasons of life—whether parenting young kids or being single. She said, “Sometimes you have to ask, are you really not having fun?” urging reflection on what’s truly challenging and exploring what is actually good in one’s current season.

<<Strickler admitted vulnerability about struggles many mask, saying, “If you see my life and you think I never struggle with finances or body image or hard days, I have been there so often.” She spoke about the power in naming desires aloud—even if they seem trivial or funny—“If I open a blank page and write it all out… normally it’s laughable. It’s like, okay, I might just need a nap.”

<<When asked how to handle tough days, especially with little kids demanding constant care, she reflected, “They’re a beautiful distraction. You can’t wallow for long because they demand your attention, and sometimes your body has to move, which moves your mind out of it.”

<<Kate also highlighted the importance of facing reality rather than fears. “When I freak out about finances, they hold on. You haven’t even looked. Sit down and actually look… What is actually true? What is good about the season?” This grounded perspective helps in navigating anxiety and discontent.

<<Her conversation offered practical yet soulful advice: Embrace the season you're in, be honest about struggles, laugh off the small frustrations, and focus on what is real and good now. “God is a very safe place to say, ‘I’m just not happy right now, can you help me figure out why?’ ” she said, reminding us all that contentment grows from grace and honest self-reflection more than perfection.

Click Here To Watch Conversation

Christian Booksellers'

Top Christian Books

#1 (LM New) -

Max Lucado

“Tame Your Thoughts”

Three Tools to Renew Your Mind

and Transform Your Life

#2 (LM New) - Kate Strickler

“I Just Wish I Had a Bigger Kitchen”

And Other Lies I Think Will Make Me Happy

#3 (LM2) - Standard Publishing

“KJV Standard Lesson Commentary

Large Print 2025-2026”

More In The Standard Lesson

Commentary Series

#4 (LM New) - Gary Hamrick

“Standing on the Edge of Eternity”

The End Times According to Revelation

#5 (LM5) - John Mark Comer

“Practicing The Way”

Be with Jesus. Become like Him. Do as He did

Click Here For The Full List of September's

Best Selling Christian Books

#1 (2) - Ascension: Called

(with Fr. Mike Schmitz)

#2 (1) - Ascension -

The Bible in a Year

(with Fr. Mike Schmitz)

#3 (3) - Drop The Needle Podcast

(with Jim Alstott)

#4 (5) - The Bible Recap

(with Tara-Leigh Cobble)

#5 (4) - The 2819 Church

(with Philip Anthony Mitchell)

#6 (8) - Lakepointe Church -

Live Free

(with Josh Howerton)

#7 (6) - The Bryce

Crawford Podcast

(with Bryce Crawford)

#8 (9) - Girls Gone Bible

(with Angela Halili

and Arielle Reitsma)

#9 (7) - followHIM

(with Hank Smith

& John Bytheway)

#10 (8) - WHOA That's

Good Podcast

(with Sadie Robertson-Huff)

Click Here For This Week's

Top 40 Christian Podcasts

Atlanta Christian

Radio Station Guide

Top Contemporary Christian Stations

91.5FM - Victory 91.5

106.7FM, K-LOVE

104.7FM, Air1 Worship

93.3FM - The JoyFM

Top Gospel Stations

102.5FM - Praise 102.5

Top Southern

Gospel Stations

90.7FM & 91.7FM - NewLife Radio

Top Religious

Talk Stations

970AM - Faith Talk 970

Click Here For A Complete List of

Metro Atlanta Christian Radio Stations With Links To Their Official Websites

Radio host,

best selling author

Dave Ramsey

Want a Secure Retirement? Don’t Fall for These

6 Retirement Myths

<<Listen, we all want to build wealth and have the retirement of our dreams. But it’s not going to happen if we’re getting sidetracked by all the naysayers and the misinformation swirling around.

<<There are myths about retirement everywhere. Maybe your angry broke uncle thinks “the little man can’t get ahead” or your buddy shared some sketchy financial “advice” on social media (stick to funny dance videos, TikTok).

<<No matter where they come from, those myths and lies could keep you from taking the steps you need to take to secure your retirement future.

<<So, get ready, because today we’re going to bust the top six retirement myths so you can start building the retirement of your dreams—right now.

Myth #1: I’ll Live Off

Social Security Income

<<This is a common one . . . but relying on the government to take care of you in retirement is dumb with a capital D. Here’s the reality: Living off Social Security will only lead to social insecurity.

Click Here To Read The Full Column

Click Here For The Full Story and More on Our Dave Ramsey Financial Peace Page Including A Complete List Of Area Radio Stations and Times Where You Can Find The Dave Ramsey Show

Invite friends & family to receive our twice a month free E-Blast Newsletters -

Call 770-596-6451 or email atlantachristian@comcast.net

SGN Scoops Magazine Top 100

Southern Gospel Music Charts

#1 (LM4) - Gold City - “Rise Up” (from Right Now)

#2 (LM2) - The Guardians -

“Kick Up My Heels and Sing" (Single)

#3 (LM6) - Ernie Haase & Signature Sound -

“99 1/2” (from Live In Memphis)

#4 (LM8) - The Kramers -

"He Remembers My Sin No More” (from Soli Deo Gloria)

#5 (LM14) - The Triumphant Quartet - "Deep Waters” (from God Is Listening)

Click Here For This Week's Top Southern Gospel Songs

Seeing the Funny Side of Life

By Jim Daly,

President of Focus on the Family

<<Kenn Kington is one of the most popular comedians on XM radio, and has filmed multiple comedy projects that have aired on countless cable networks, including Comedy Central. Kenn is the author of "Every Day is a Bonus," "Enjoying the 3 Greatest Gifts in Life!" and hosts a regular radio show and podcast that inspires thousands to experience life to the fullest.

<<As a full-time comedian, Kenn works hard to see the funny side of life. Whether he’s traveling by plane or by car, situations arise that can produce frustration or laughter, and Kenn tries to choose joy whenever possible.

<<Kenn Kington: Said, “Can I have a hot dog?” She goes, “Yeah, would you like anything on that?” I said, “Well, what do you got?” She goes, “Well, you can get mustard or nothing, or both.”

<<Audience: (Laughs).

<<Kenn: Well, give me both. Let’s see you pull that one off.

<<Audience: (Laughs).

<<John Fuller: Some interesting logic going on there, and we have more observational humor from Kenn Kington today on Focus on the Family with Jim Daly. We’re glad you’re with us.

<<Jim Daly: Well, John, life can be heavy, especially lately, and the Bible tells us that a joyful heart is good medicine. So we want to share that prescription on today’s broadcast.

<<Kenn: Have you ever had one of those trips where things didn’t go right? Four hours late, my flight. And I get in the rental car and I’m flying down the road because I’m already late and I’m getting dressed on the interstate while I’m driving, which is not a good combination.

<<And then I realized, I’ve forgotten. I’ve forgotten. So I called my wife and I’m like, “Honey, I forgot. I forgot, I forgot.” She goes, “What’d you forget this time?” I said, “I forgot socks.”

<<She goes, “Well, calm down, Sparky. They sell these in stores.” I’m like, “Yeah, but you don’t understand. I don’t have time. I’m late already, and I don’t know where the shoe stores are. I just need to find, I gotta go. Where do I get socks? She goes, “Well, calm down. Okay, okay. Okay. I, I think drugstores carry socks. I’m sure there’s one on the way. Try a drug store.” Good news, drugstores carry dress socks. Bad news, drug stores only carry women’s dress socks.

Click Here To Watch The Full Broadcast

Focus On The Family is heard on dozens of radio stations throughout Georgia.

Click Here To Find One Near You