Many artists have great voices and are very talented but for Christian music that’s not enough. Christian artist have a greater responsibility than just being great entertainers. Because the music they make speaks into the hearts of believers and may possibly help to bring others to faith it’s not enough to just make music that is pleasing to the ears.

Jimmy Needham is without a doubt an amazing talent. He was blessed with a wonderful voice and his skills as a song writer only compliment his voice which makes Jimmy one of Christian music’s hottest artist. But what sets Jimmy apart from many is that his music speaks every bit of truth that the gospel message brings. Jimmy’s new album “Night Lights” hit number one in its first week.

The music, the beats, and Jimmy’s voice definitely helped to place the new album at the top but what really set this album apart from any other was the selfless adoration for Jesus Christ and wanting to just worship through the music.

Jimmy Needham’s life and testimony is one of real challenges that most people can relate to. Not being the son of a preacher or from a strong Christian background yet Jimmy Needham has the faith that inspires many. Being able to freely talk about addiction and life struggles, Jimmy is the type of artist that young people can look up to and say God can and does change lives. I had a wonderful time speaking to Jimmy and was even ministered to at the same time.

I’m not sure if Jimmy is conscience of his responsibility as a Christian artist but his music sure does exemplify it. His humble words minister as his music draws you in. Once you get over the fact that you are listening to a great album you begin to hear the words that sink into your heart and fill your soul.

What’s so great about Jimmy is that he is not on a high pedestal that you can’t reach. He is just like you and me. Unlike most artist who grew up in the homes of Pastors and worship leaders Jimmy came from an average family who were Christian because of their geographical location like most Americans who claim to be Christians because they go to church every Christmas and Easter. Jimmy’s family was no different. Jimmy’s mother was born in Greece and so they were orthodox Greeks but he says his family didn’t know anything about the gospel.

It wasn’t until Jimmy met a believer in high school that he began to follow Christ. Jimmy had a dark secret that began in middle school. It was one that would plague him until Jesus freed him from it. After confessing his secrete to his friend (who was a Christian) he was able to let Jesus Christ free him from his addiction.

Yes, this amazing singer/songwriter for Jesus Christ was once addicted to pornography. Even though Jimmy didn’t know Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior he knew in his heart it was wrong and that it was not what he needed in his life. Jimmy did know that one day he would face judgment for his sins and even dreamed about the Day of Judgment and that he would have to give an account.

He didn’t know how he would get rid of it but after he told his friend about his addiction, the friend told him that there was One who could not only take it away but forgive him and remember it no more. His friend shared the gospel of grace and mercy and about a love that died for those sins already. From that time Jimmy Needham knew that with Jesus he could let go of this addiction.

Jimmy now writes songs for the love that freed him and while each album is a testimony to that love Jimmy says that each album brings a new season and new challenges. Jimmy says his latest challenge is wrapped up in the theme of his new album “Night Lights”. Jimmy speaks about promoting Jesus without promoting Jimmy. Jimmy says while writing this album he thought about what it looks like or would it look like to glorify God but at the end of the day maybe not having sold many albums or having much to show for it. Jimmy says that when you make your income from promoting yourself it can be a challenge to make God the center. He says this has been a challenge he has wrestled with for many years. This new album displays his conscience in every song.