Sometimes we can get so wrapped up in the last song ofCris Tomlinor Lauren Daigle that Christian music fans are losing sight of some of the ancient Christian songs that were firmly entrenched in traditional Christian worship. No matter what type of church or service you attend, there's a good chance that the latest Christian hymns have become a welcome addition to the old hymns.
When it comes to music, everyone has their preferences. Your reception of certain early Christian hymns may depend on where you were when you first heard them or on the meaning of the words in your own life. listed belowsome of the best hymns that ever came out of the church. Whether you know them or not, it never hurts to hear from them again.
Jesus paid for everything
It is safe to say that many believers experience a radical change in their lives when they come to Jesus Christ. "Jesus Paid It All" is a hymn that affirms the atoning power of Christ's sacrifice and leaves no room for doubt or argument.
This song has been covered many times over the years, so there's often a particular version that stands out in every generation. For today's listener, this rendition by Kristian Stanfill is one of the most popular. the line"Oh, praise be to Him who paid my debt and raised this life from the dead."is the exclamation point of Stanfill's version of this beautiful anthem.
amazing Grace
Another ancient Christian song that speaks of the powerful change that takes place at conversion is "Amazing Grace." This song has been played far too many times in almost every movie or TV show, but it's easily one of the best anthems ever written.
Written by a man already involved in the Atlantic slave trade, the song exemplifies thisGod's grace is so powerful that it can transform anyone's life.. God has the power to restore sight to the blind and life to the dead. So what hope can your sin have to cling to you?
There are over a million covers of this song, but here's one by country singer Alan Jackson that will blow your mind.
how tall are you
Ancient hymns often focus on specific aspects of God. The first two songs on this list focused on the power of redemption. With "how great art thou" we simply regard God as the supreme being. Like standing at the rim of the Grand Canyon and taking it all in, this song is a response to the greatness of who God is.
If you've ever attended an old country church, chances are you'll be mesmerized by the moment the congregation plays the line "So my soul sings...".
Everything is fine with my soul
We can also use old Christian songs to deal with difficult circumstances and to say to God, "Thy will be done." This song was originally composed by a man in the late 19th century who was struggling with financial ruin and the loss of his daughters lake stood.
Musically, the song is wonderfully moving, but the most important thing is the message. No matter what happens in our lives, good or bad, God is in control. He cares for us and His hands are at work. "It Is Well With My Soul" is a powerful song no matter who sings it, but it's hard to talk about classic anthems and not cite the Gaithers as a reference. Here's a great cover of the song from a few years ago.
Set your eyes on Jesus
Best known for its chorus, this anthem is striking in its simplicity. When the world moves so fast it's hard to keep upwe need only fix our gaze on Christ to have peace. When we hunger for truth or need reminding of our calling, looking up to heaven is a sure fix.
This song can be sung in a large stadium like the video below or in a small church on a Sunday night and still have the same effect. Let us never forget where we should always look.
I'm Flying Away - Old Christian Songs
Sometimes all you need is a good old country classic. "I'll Fly Away" is one of the most famous gospel songs of all time. It is also one of the few Christian hymns that combines beautifully with fiddle and banjo.
Whether you go the traditional chorus route or add a little bluegrass, this is a fun song to sing along to. "Fun" might not always be the word you want to use for old Christian songs, but the main point of "I'll Fly Away" is that death is not a morbid subject for believers. While there is an element of sadness in the death of a loved one, we need to remember that Christians do not just live in the here and now.
Here's a great combination Crowder did of the song with "I Saw the Light" at the Georgia Dome a few years ago.
Holy Holy Holy
It is hard to compete with a song so melodically presenting the many attributes of God."Holy, Holy, Holy" is like a triumphant entry song of a great king. The words reveal God's perfect nature in a way few songs can.
While the music is beautiful on its own, it takes on a special life when played by a full choir. Still, the way Audrey Assad plays him in this video is very intimate.
great is your faithfulness
One of the greatest sources of hope for believers is that God is faithful. Even if we don't see it for a while, God is constantly at work all over the world. He fulfills our requests and dreams in due time.
"Great Is Your Fidelity" is a song of gratitude that has a vulnerable honesty. When we consider the blessings of God that surround us in the world today, it can be truly overwhelming. This anthem made a splash in pop culture when Jordan Smith sang it so beautifully on The Voice.
Blessed security
Written by a blind woman in the 1870s, Blessed Assurance is a call for believers to remember their inheritance with Christ. This sweet melody reminds us that we have a benefactor who watches over us and cares deeply for us.
This is another old Christian song that has been revived over the years. The following video is an interpretation of Elevation Worship
Oh what a savior!
A little younger than these other old Christian songs, "Oh What a Savior" was written almost 60 years ago. The song wonders about the existence of a savior who would leave heaven, live a perfect life, and pay for our sins.
This is one of those songs that really allows a singer and/or choir to shine. It's a powerful song in its own right, but with a little talent behind the mic it can be a very special experience. Check out the boys singing talent in the video below and you'll know what we're talking about.
Crown him with many crowns
Much like "Holy, Holy, Holy," this anthem is one that gives it the shine it deserves. To truly appreciate this classic, you need a large choir or a very loud congregation. The full version of the song has a whopping 12 verses, but there are several shorter iterations.
Once again,this is the kind of music one would expect at the coronation of the king. Where better to hear it sung than Westminster Abbey? Watch the video below from the early 2000s and you'll understand the greatness of this anthem.
As any anthem lover knows, there are hundreds (if not thousands) out there. While this is not an exhaustive list, we hope it has reminded you of some of the old Christian hymns that you love to hear at church. At the K-LOVE Fan Awards, we know that music is a big part of worship. Christian music is a part of everyday life that we all love and cherish. That's why every year we honor artists and authors who make a difference in the Christian community. To find out how you and your family can participate in Christian Music's Biggest Weekend, click on the link below.