Worldwide Revival: An 8 Day Devotional with NewsboysChikamu

DAY SEVEN: CHRIST AND CHRIST CRUCIFIED

Newsboys has been a band that worships, in our own way, since day one. In fact, we found Duncan playing drums in his church worship band when we asked him to join the band. Songs you may know and love like It Is You, Amazing Love, He Reigns, and We Believe are all worship songs that have been pivotal parts of our career and our own individual walks with the Lord. In recent years, songs written by other worship leaders have found their way to our headphones, and the opportunity to partner with some incredible musicians has opened up. Christ and Christ Crucified is a song that found us in a season when we needed it most, and recording our version, and featuring Lindy Cofer, an original writer on the song, was really special.

The final two songs on Worldwide Revival Part One are worship songs written by other people that we’ve recorded on our own, with our own Newsboys spin! It’s been a cool experience being impacted by these songs that we didn’t write. Our heart behind releasing versions of these songs is to further the impact they have. If lyrics written by other people can have such a profound impact on us, someone out there may hear our version and feel similarly. These songs we’ve released serve as reminders to us of why songwriting is important, and why God has called us to pursue music for so long. Recording these songs has filled our cup, and our prayer is that they’ll impact others far and wide – no matter which version of the song you may find.

Death Couldn’t Hold You Down // Hell Couldn’t Steal Your Crown // There’s Resurrection Power // In Your Name // In Your Name //

“You see, just at the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” – Romans 5:6-8

God’s love is unfailing. It can’t be resisted or rejected. In our powerlessness, God’s love prevails. Paul highlights our helplessness at the beginning of these verses, describing humanity as powerless. The attention to detail is important here – we are utterly useless, spiritually bankrupt, unable to save ourselves on our own. It’s easy to feel that way sometimes, right? In seasons of trial and struggle, it’s common to feel unworthy or unloved. The beautiful thing about the display of God’s love on the Cross is that it’s unparalleled – a complete display of God’s grace and love despite it being undeserved.

1. In what ways does knowing that Christ died for us while we were still sinners influence our perspective on our own worthiness before God?

As recipients of such immense grace, our response should be one of gratitude, humility, and awe. We do not, and did not, deserve God’s love when He died on the Cross, yet He loved us enough to do it anyway. This reality should stir within us a profound sense of appreciation for the cross of Christ, where our sins were forgiven and our relationship with God was restored. In addition to appreciation, these words should inspire a response, a change in action, a lifestyle we’re called to. If God loves us as broken sinners, how much love should we extend to those around us?

2. Who in your life do you need to show the love of God to? Can you think of someone who you struggle to show love to? Utilize the example of God’s love for you, despite your brokenness, to show love to others.

Romans 5 and the lyrics in Christ and Christ Crucified are a powerful reminder of God’s unfailing love and grace towards humanity. They both encapsulate the heart of the Gospel. Our prayer for this song is that it would renew your understanding of God’s love for us, and that it would inspire you to love the people around you similarly – unconditionally.

Let All The Earth Cry Out // Lift Up A Holy Sound // Give All The Glory Now