Paul Baloche’s latest album, “The
Same Love,” is a refreshing approach to worship whether you’re looking for
something to enhance your personal time and provide a worship filled atmosphere
to your life or if you lead worship in your local congregation. It is filled
with songs that transcend generations and echoes the popular sounds of worship
groups like Hillsong, United, or Jesus Culture, followed by simple, folksy
arrangements of simple, worshipful declarations complete with the requisite
banjo.
Evidence of the spirit and
intention of this album is the fact that it features other very well known
artists and worship leaders without detracting from the message of grace and
salvation echoed throughout. Kari Jobe and songwriter Jason Ingram provide
support on a couple songs and worship leader, Lincoln Brewster, co-wrote “Loved
By You.”
Musically, this album provides
enough musical talent to keep your attention without distracting from the
message and the heart of the lyrics. Paul’s tenure as worship pastor for
Community Christian Fellowship leads to a style that leaves space for worship
to take place rather than focusing on creating something that’s focused on
showmanship. This approach is surprisingly refreshing and has had me listening
to this album repeatedly for the past couple weeks. It ushers God’s presence
and reminds me of the sacrifice and purpose of Calvary that provides salvation
and hope that we would never be able to purchase or earn for ourselves.
From the opening notes of the
album, encouragement pours out and lifts up your heart and mind. The message of
“The Same Love” states that,
The same love that set the
captives free,
The same love that opened eyes to
see,
Is calling us all by name
It is a timely reminder that we are chosen as God’s children
and that a life of victory awaits those that kneel at the foot of the cross and
accept the gift given to humanity when Jesus gave His life for ours. This is
echoed in “We Are Saved” with the lyrics,
We stand amazed at the work of
the cross,
We are saved, we are saved,
Our sin has been forgiven, you have
broken every chain
We are saved, we are saved
No matter where we are in life, or our circumstances, we can
appreciate the message of the cross and encouragement found on this album. If
you’re looking for encouragement, worship, or new material for your
congregation you’ll find it here...Thanks to Paul Baloche for pouring his heart
and spirit into my new favorite album.
