Scripture in Songs - Brian Free & Assurance Concert Recap

Brian Free & Assurance came to Clinton, Ark. earlier in May. They had a full weekend in Arkansas being at the Freemans' homecoming the day before. It's always good to see this group when they are nearby.

Brian Free & Assurance - Brian Free, Bill Shivers, Mike Rogers
and Jeremy Lile

The concert was a great mix of new and old, familiar songs. They had a really good balance throughout the program with all songs pointing people to the gospel.

The concert started with "What a Beautiful Day" and then led into "If the Lord Says Do It," featuring bass singer Jeremy Lile. They sang another newer one next "If It Takes a Valley" before the classic "Have a Little Talk With Jesus." This is always a fun one to see and hear them sing live! Jeremy does a great job on the bass part!

The introductions were next. Brian talked about each member of the groups and told a little bit about their family. They let baritone Mike Roger lose next on "Tell It Like It Was." Great song from their latest project Unashamed, and it's good to hear Mike get the lead on this one. Ricky Free (Brian's son) and Ronny Hinson wrote the song. The next song was the title cut from that project featuring Brian Free. The song has an incredible message. Brian talked about how it's so disappointing to see the way the world is going now. We have forgotten how God has blessed this nation. It's important for us to remind the world every day that we are Christians no matter the cost. We should truly take a stand and be unashamed of the gospel.

Jeremy then sang another new one, "A Little Bit of Me and You." After that new one, they went back and sang a classic, "Peace in the Valley." The group got the chance to be part of a tribute to Elvis on BBC last summer. They were the only Christian group invited to participate. Brian said that they got the chance to really be a witness as the only Christian group in the building. Bill Shivers was featured on the a cappella version of "Peace in the Valley." Love to hear him sing this song in the style of Elvis. He does an incredible job on it! Bill also was featured on "Say Amen" to end the first half. It's really neat to hear this live to hear people say "amen" with the song.

They started back after intermission with "First Day in Heaven." That's a fun song that you don't hear groups sing live much anymore! Then, Bill sang "God of Possibilities," another great song from their latest project.

Brian then went back and sang the classic "Oh What a Savior." I love to hear him sing this. He makes it look so effortless and really shows why he is one of the best tenors in gospel music!

Brian led in a time of invitation. He said that they are very careful as they choose songs making sure they are scripturally sound and that people can hear mini sermons in what they sing. He gave a bit of his testimony saying that he had been singing gospel music with his family but only had a head knowledge of Christ. In January 1986, he fully gave his heart and life to Jesus. He prayed that people would come to know Christ through the music because that's what their ministry was all about.

After a time of prayer, they ended the night with "Long As I Got King Jesus." It was a great night of classic favorite songs and incredible new songs! No matter what the style of the song or the longevity of it, one thing was certain the truth was proclaimed!