The song “They Need Christ” was written by John Gowans and John Larsson for The Salvation Army musical titled “Man Mark II,” which was published in 1985. The lyrics convey the protagonist’s unwavering commitment to following Jesus, even in the face of trials and storms. The central theme emphasizes that Christ alone is sufficient, and nothing else in the world can satisfy their soul1. It’s a powerful message of faith and devotion. If you’d like to explore more song stories, I can share additional examples!
The song What a Beautiful Name by Hillsong Worship was written by Brooke Ligertwood and Ben Fielding. The inspiration behind the song comes from Colossians 1, which speaks about the supremacy and glory of Christ. The writers wanted to capture the beauty, wonder, and power of Jesus’ name in the lyrics and melody.
The song became immensely popular in Christian worship settings and even won a Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song. Ligertwood described the songwriting process as happening in a small cubicle in Sydney over a few days
The hymn “Up from the Grave He Arose,” also known as “Christ Arose,” was written by Robert Lowry in 1874. Lowry, a Baptist preacher and hymn writer, was inspired by the resurrection story in the Gospel of Luke. While reflecting on the significance of Jesus’ triumph over death, he composed both the lyrics and the melody in a spontaneous moment at his home. The hymn captures the victorious and celebratory spirit of Easter, emphasizing Christ’s victory over the grave
26 As the soldiers led him away, they seized Simon from Cyrene, who was on his way in from the country, and put the cross on him and made him carry it behind Jesus. 27 A large number of people followed him, including women who mourned and wailed for him. 28 Jesus turned and said to them, “Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me; weep for yourselves and for your children. 29 For the time will come when you will say, ‘Blessed are the childless women, the wombs that never bore and the breasts that never nursed!’ 30 Then
“‘they will say to the mountains, “Fall on us!” and to the hills, “Cover us!”’[b]
31 For if people do these things when the tree is green, what will happen when it is dry?”
32 Two other men, both criminals, were also led out with him to be executed.33 When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him there, along with the criminals—one on his right, the other on his left. 34 Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”[c] And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.
35 The people stood watching, and the rulers even sneered at him. They said, “He saved others; let him save himself if he is God’s Messiah, the Chosen One.”
36 The soldiers also came up and mocked him. They offered him wine vinegar 37 and said, “If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself.”
38 There was a written notice above him, which read: this is the king of the jews.
39 One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: “Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!”
40 But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence? 41 We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.”
42 Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.[d]”
43 Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”
