For the award-winning band MercyMe, “Always Only Jesus” is more than the title of their latest album — it’s a reminder of their calling and conviction to reach audiences for Christ.
“As people are listening to these songs, our desire is that the message of the gospel resonates with people and helps them realize that God loves them unconditionally and is calling them to pursue a relationship with Him,” lead singer Bart Millard told TAB. “During concerts, we emphasize that salvation is not based on works, but what Christ has already done on the cross. There is nothing anyone can do to make God love them more than He already does. All you have to do is accept His invitation and respond by resting in the finished work on the cross.”
Through their message and music, band members desire to connect audiences to the life-changing love of Christ while sharing their own personal stories of God’s redemption. MercyMe currently is on the “Together Again Tour” with David Crowder and Andrew Ripp.
“For some time now God has really placed on our hearts the importance of sharing messages about grace and identity,” Millard noted. “It’s the simplicity of the gospel and who you are in Christ — realizing why you can show grace to other people — because grace has been shown to you.
“When you take time to remember and recognize Who God is, then it’s easy to ask yourself, ‘Who are we not to worship Him?’ That’s what we want to do on this tour and through these songs.”
Encouraging and equipping
As they perform around the country, MercyMe desires their music to encourage and equip audiences to live for what matters most and make a difference for eternity.
“We want to mobilize the Body of Christ to take action and encourage people in word and deed,” Millard elaborated. “For some of us, the idea of loving others well means that we need to put hands and feet on our ideology and rhetoric. For others, it means that we need to continue in doing well, but not stop there.
“If we really believe that we have this hope in Christ and then stop short, it seems almost offensive.”
Millard’s personal story about the loss of his father led to the movie based on the hit song, “I Can Only Imagine,” providing an even greater opportunity to reach audiences with the gospel message.
Purpose in performing
MercyMe has performed in sold-out venues including Radio City Music Hall and Red Rocks Amphitheatre, and in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.
And although the group has garnered an impressive array of achievements including multiple American Music, Billboard and Dove Awards, they remain true to their humble beginnings and remembering their true purpose in performing.
“While addressing the subject of identity, the Lord has been reminding me that my identity is not found in MercyMe,” Millard noted. “Being in the group is one of the ways the Lord has given me a platform to speak truth into people’s lives and present the gospel, but it is not the only way to get the message out.
“It’s a shame to meet people who refuse to respond to the message of the cross, but it’s just as tragic to meet people who claim to know Jesus but still feel like they are in bondage. From the moment you receive Christ, you are a brand new creation. When your identity is found in Christ there is freedom. For all past, present and future sins, Christ already says, ‘Redeemed.’”
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