January 4, 2024

In This Issue 

Brandon Lake Talks Creating Music on His Own:

'God Wants to Do Something Unique Through My Life'

Brandon Lake has the top two songs on Billboard's Contemporary Christian charts "Gratitude" is at the top spot for the 20th week over two separate runs (most recently as part of "The Chosen" soundtrack

"Praise You Anywhere" is from his new album, "Coat of Many Colors."

During a week when tensions were high and the world seemed to be falling apart, Brandon welcomed a group of songwriters to his home in Charleston, South Carolina to write some songs.

"I found myself singing about heaven,” Lake, 33, tells PEOPLE magazine quietly. "The emotions were just building up and building up, and then we just wrote this song about our final destination, which is heaven.”

It was a song that the five-time Grammy winner says freed up his soul a bit as the violence overseas continued to play out thousands of miles away.

“I'm not someone to ever watch the news, but the past few days, I have probably had the TV on or my phone on nonstop,” he reflects. “Writing a song about heaven and how God is still holy and sovereign was just the medicine my heart needed.”

This sort of medicine was also the medicine that pumped through the veins of Lake as the artist created his third studio solo album "Coat of Many Colors."

“Once you've spent months and months on a record, it's hard to go back and listen to your own songs,” admits Brandon — who has collaborated through the years with the likes of Elevation Worship and Maverick City Music — with a laugh. “I'm kind of waiting to see how what God gave me a few months ago will now end up being very timely for what the world is facing right now.”

Click Here For The Full Interview

Click Here To See An Interview On CBN

QB Michael Penix Jr.

leads Washington to CFP title game: 'I gotta thank God for everything'

Star quarterback Michael Penix Jr. and his 14-0 Washington Huskies are officially national-championship bound.

They survived a frantic comeback attempt from Texas in the final quarter of the Sugar Bowl to emerge victorious, 37-31, in the College Football Playoff semifinal and punch their ticket to Houston, where they will meet No. 1 Michigan in the national championship game on Monday.

In the jubilant aftermath, Penix — who was named the Sugar Bowl’s Most Outstanding Offensive Player — made sure to thank God for his journey.

“First of all, I’m gonna say that I’m not no quitter,” the sixth-year senior said in an on-field interview with ESPN. “I don’t want to say that I was gonna quit. It did get hard for me at times [in my career], you know, but I had to lean on the ones that I love the most. But it means a lot to be here. I’m super blessed, and I gotta thank the Man Above. I gotta thank God for everything that He’s put me through to get to this point. It’s been a blessing and I’ve been enjoying the journey.”

Four times in four seasons at Indiana, Penix’s season ended with an injury. In 2018, it was an ACL and he was granted a medical redshirt. Then in 2019, a shoulder injury sidelined him. On Nov. 30, 2020, Penix tore his ACL again, and another shoulder injury ended his 2021 season.

“There were times when I’d wake up the day of the game, and I’d wait until my roommate leaves, and I’d just lie on the floor and I’d just cry to God, just praying that He’d protect me that day,” he told Pac-12 Network before the 2023-24 season. “I knew where my head was at that time.”

Click Here For The Full Story

'Firm believer in Christ' Blake Corum powers Michigan to national title game:

'I just want to thank God'

Blake Corum had to watch from the sidelines as Michigan lost to TCU in the College Football Playoff semifinals last season. So the Wolverines’ star running back returned for another year, hoping he could help bring the team’s struggles in the College Football Playoff to an end.

Monday evening, Corum did just that. His 17-yard run put Michigan ahead in overtime, and the Wolverines defense stopped Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe on fourth down to secure a 27-20 come-from-behind win in the Rose Bowl.

The touchdown was Corum’s second of the game (he scored on an 8-yard reception in the first quarter) and the 56th rushing touchdown of his college career, which set a new program record. 

Speaking to ESPN’s Holly Rowe on the field Monday night, Corum reflected on his experience last season and gave glory to God.

“I don’t really know what to say right now,” he told Rowe. “I’m just blessed. I want to thank God for allowing me to be here. This time last year, I wasn’t here, so I just want to thank God.”

The three-time All-Big Ten selection credits his parents with instilling in him a passion to serve God by serving others.

“Growing up, I’ve always wanted to give back,” he said on “Good Morning America” in 2021. “My parents always taught me: Believe in God. And God always gave. And so, give back.”

“I’m a firm believer in Christ,” he said. “Acts 20:35 says: ‘In all things I have shown you about working hard, in this way we must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he himself said: “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”’ That’s why I’m here. I’m more than an athlete.

Click Here For The Full Story

Billboard Magazine's Current Top Gospel Music Chart

#1 (LW2) - Tye Tribbett

"Only One Night Tho"

(from All Things New: Live In Orlando)

#2 (LW1) - Marvin Sapp

"You Kept Me"

(from Substance)

#3 (LW3) - Damon Little

Feat. Angie Stone

"No Stressing"

(Single)

#4 (LW5) - Anthony Brown

& Group Therapy

"Speak Your Name" 

(from Affirmations)

#5 (LW7) - Bri Babineaux

"I Will Wait"

(Single)

Click Here For This Week's Top 25

Gospel Music Songs

Metro Atlanta Christian Concerts & Family Events

Saturday, January 27

Take 6, Heavenly Voices

At Georgia State University’s

Rialto Center for the Arts,

80 Forsyth Street, NW,

Atlanta, GA 30303

A Rialto Series Performance

8:00 p.m. (404) 413-9TIX (9849)

www.events.rialtocenter.gsu.edu

Saturday, February 10

Winter Jam 2024

Crowder, Lecrae, Cain, Katy Nichole, Seventh Day Slumber, NewSong, Joseph O’Brien

At Gas South Arena

and Conference Center

6400 Sugarloaf Pkwy. Duluth, GA 30097

6:00 p.m. (770) 617-0359

www.platformtickets.com

Saturday, February 10

Kingdom Heirs

At Grace Community Church,

7770 Hickory Flat Hwy.,

Woodstock, GA 30188

2:00 p.m. (770) 617-0359

www.kingdomheirs.com

Sunday, February 25

The King’s Singers,

Illuminated Voices

At Georgia State University’s

Rialto Center for the Arts,

80 Forsyth Street, NW,

Atlanta, GA 30303

A Rialto Series Performance

3:00 p.m. (404) 413-9TIX (9849)

www.events.rialtocenter.gsu.edu

Click Here For All Upcoming Concerts and Links For More Information

REVIEW:

Tribute Quartet –

#1 Song

"Free Indeed"

Click Here For The Review

DR. DAVID JEREMIAH

Q&A On His

#1 Bestselling Book,

"The Great Disappearance"

In Dr. David Jeremiah’s latest prophecy book, "The Great Disappearance: 31 Ways to be Rapture Ready," he examines the next event on God’s prophetic timetable, the Rapture.

 It is at the top of the Christian Bookseller's Top 50 list for the second straight month.

In this insightful interview, Dr. Jeremiah sits down with special guest, Sheila Walsh, to discuss his new book and to give you confidence as the day approaches.

Sheila Walsh: This is one of the most exciting things I've ever read that you have written. I've read everything you've written. This made me so full of hope and joy.

You call this motivational prophecy. What does that mean?

Dr. David Jeremiah: I did that on purpose, Sheila, because so many people that I know say that prophecy doesn't have a practical application to it, and when they say that, and, hopefully you're not one of those who says it... but, if you are, stop saying it, because you're giving away your biblical ignorance.

It's not true. The Bible is filled with prophecy, and almost every prophetic context has within it marching orders...things we're supposed to do.

For instance, one of the most famous passages is in John 14, where Jesus is trying to encourage his disciples, and he said, "In my Father's house are many mansions". You know that story? But did you ever think about what he said first? "Let not your heart be troubled".

In other words, if you know what God's up to, you don't have to be upset waiting up at night worrying about what's going to happen tomorrow. God's got this. He's got this thing in control.

Click Here To Watch

The Full Conversation

#1 - Dr. David Jeremiah

"The Great Disappearance"

31 Ways to Be

Rapture Ready

(2nd Month at #1)

#2 - Lysa TerKeurst

“Forgiving What You Can’t Forget”

How to Move On, Make Peace

with Painful Memories, and Create

a Life That's Beautiful Again

#3 - Sarah Young

“Jesus Calling For Christmas”

#4 - Sarah Young

"Jesus Listens-

for Advent and Christmas"

Padded Hardcover, with Full Scriptures: Prayers for the Season

#5 - Douglas Kaine McKelvey

“Every Moment Holy, Volume III”

The Work of the People

Click Here For The Full List of This December's Best Selling Christian Books

Golf Superstar Bubba Watson on “Imperfectly” Following God’s Call

He’s one of golf’s biggest names - Bubba Watson. This two-time Masters champion is known for his long drives and exciting personality. In his new book “Up & Down,” Bubba discusses balancing celebrity, family life, and trying imperfectly to follow God’s call. 

Bubba says, “That’s the reason why I wanted to come out with the book is to share and to share that we all have issues. And if you say you don’t you really do. Right? Like, let’s be honest with everybody.”

Not just a golfer, Bubba owns an ice cream shop, a car dealership, a driving range, and has even become part owner of a minor league baseball team.

Bubba accepted a golf scholarship to the University of Georgia. It was there he met his now wife, Angie, who had an immediate impact on his desire to follow God.

“We started talking about church,” says Bubba. “She grew up in the church and who she wanted to be and she asked me about my faith. I told her it was very little. I told her one day I got asked to go to church, I gave myself to the Lord, but then that was it. The seed was planted. I said the right things, but I didn’t really water it and when I got to Georgia and met her, that’s when it really opened up. And I’m still growing in that, but it’s been an amazing journey and the rest is history. 20 years later and we’re still together.”

During those twenty years, the Watsons endured some trying times including the inability to conceive a child.

Bubba says, “When your wife looks at you and says, ‘Why can’t I be a mom?’ And that’s a hard thing to answer. And again, God’s timing is way better.”

In “God’s timing,” 2012, the couple adopted a baby boy named Caleb and knew immediately he was a gift from God.  

Click Here For The Full Story from CBN

Billboard Magazine's Current Top Contemporary Christian Music Chart

#1 (LW1) - Brandon Lake

“Gratitude”

(from Christmas With The Chosen)

#2 (LW6) - Brandon Lake

“Praise You Anywhere”

(from Coat Of Many Colors)

#3 (LW3) - Chris Tomlin

“Holy Forever”

(from Always)

#4 (LW4) - Elevation Worship

“Trust In God“

(from Can You Imagine)

#5 (LW2) - For King & Country

with Gabby Barrett

“Go Tell It On The Mountain”

(from Christmas With The Chosen)

Click Here For This Week's Top 25

Contemporary Christian Music Songs

1 - The Bible Recap

(with Tara Leigh-Cobble)

2 - The Bible in a Year

(with Fr. Mike Schmitz)

3 - Bible In A Year

(with Jack Graham)

4 - The Catechism In A Year

(with Fr. Mike Schmitz)

5 - Through the Bible in a Year

(with author Jackie Hill Perry)

6 - A Year in the Bible with Daily Grace

(The Daily Grace Co.)

7 - The Bible Project Podcast

(In-depth conversations

about the Bible and theology)

8 - Follow Him:

A Come, Follow Me Podcast

(with Hank Smith & John Bytheway)

9 - Chronological Bible Plan

(with Robert Smith)

10 - Girls Gone Bible

(with Angela Halili and Arielle Reitsma)

Click Here For The Current Top 100

Christian Podcasts

Why Danica McKellar Calls Faith ‘The Most Joyful, Amazing Gift’ - Click Here

The Christian Post's top 10 news stories of 2023 - Click Here

Top 7 faith-inspired films of 2023

- Click Here

Podcast: Candace Cameron Bure Talks Cultural Backlash, Living for God in Modern Times - Click Here

Hulk Hogan, wife get baptized at Florida church: ‘Only love’ - Click Here

'Sound of Freedom' beats

Taylor Swift 'Eras Tour' for No. 10 film 

- Click Here

Journey to Bethlehem Available Now on Digital - Click Here

Americans Resolve to Pray,

Attend Church More in 2024

- Click Here



Died: Donald Wildmon, Champion of Christian Boycotts - Click Here

Guideposts: Priorities—

Not Resolutions—for the New Year -

Click Here

Dozens of North Carolina Methodist Churches Join Over 6,000 Leaving Denomination - Click Here

Best Christian Book Review Blogs

of 2024 - Click Here



John Crist Reveals His

Comedy Pet Peaves - Click Here

Here's How To Live Stream Atlanta Passion Conference For Free - Click Here

Franni Rae Cash Cain exits two-time GRAMMY-nominated band

We The Kingdom - Click Here

Donald Lawrence To Be Honored For Inspirational Impact at Urban One Honors Jan, 20 in Atlanta - Click Here

Phil Wickham's Son Graduates from Kindergarten & Receives the

"Most Curious About Jesus" Award

- Click Here

104.7 The Fish - Win A VIP Nashville Flyaway To See Lauren Daigle

- Click Here

Tye Tribbett Celebrates His Fifth

#1 Radio Single with ‘Only One Night Tho’ on Billboard & Mediabase

Gospel Charts - Click Here

New Casting Crowns Documentary Now Available To Stream - Click Here

Gloria Gaynor To Release

‘I Will Survive’ Documentary

Nationwide February 13 - Click Here

Crosswalk Interview:

Steven Curtis Chapman's

Musical Journey - Click Here

Joe Bonsall, Tenor Singer For

The Oak Ridge Boys, Announces Retirement From Touring - Click Here

Christian/Gospel Music - 

This Month's New Releases - Click Here

Michael Helwig Formerly of

The Blackwood Brothers Quartet &

The Wilburns Passes Away - Click Here