Top 10 Kirk Franklin Songs of All Time

Kirk Franklin has made his mark on gospel music from the early 1990’s until this present day. His exuberant energy, sense of humor, and expressiveness of joy in the Lord is contagious around any crowd. As an incredibly gifted musician, he also continues to experience the “enlarging of his territory” as he is the host and co-executive of the BET show Sunday Best as well as being the musical co-host of The American Bible Challenge.

The most impressive side of Kirk Franklin’s music is how it reveals the transparent and honest experience of the highs and lows of following Christ Jesus. Any talented Christian singer who doesn’t sugar coat this difficult, but wonderful walk with the Lord is destined to touch many lives. Here are the top 10 Kirk Franklin songs of all time:

Why We Sing (1993)

“Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect” (1 Peter 3:15).

Have you ever pondered the question of “Why Jesus?” Some of us may have grown up in the church and have lived in the shadow of our parent’s faith or traditions. It’s important to know exactly why you chose Jesus over atheism or any other belief system. Meditating over your answer helps you give a clear and concise reason to others about your faith.

Now Behold the Lamb (1995)

“The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29).

Jesus’ choice of the humble entrance rather than making a triumphant entry reveals the gentleness of a Lamb. Our Lord could’ve turned from the cross at any point in time, but it was His love for all people that compelled Him to suffer for the sins of the world. Jesus came in as a Lamb, but He will return as the Lion of Judah some day soon.

Whatcha Lookin 4 (1996)

“He asked her, ‘Woman, why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?’” (John 20:15).

Everyone is looking for something—a relationship, financial success, or the endearment of men and women. However, God is looking for His people to live in such a way that unbelievers will turn their attentions away from the world towards what they are missing. The spiritual gap within each person born in this world can only be filled with a relationship with Jesus Christ.

Stomp (1997)

“Clap your hands, all you nations; shout to God with cries of joy” (Psalm 47:1).

When is the last time you really praised God? Not all of us are compelled to jump or shout in church, but we each have our own expression of praise to God. Taking the time to focus on His great love, grace, and mercy towards you—will stir up a praise of thanks to God. Don’t be afraid to lift your hands in worship because God is worth it.

Brighter Day (2000)

“The sun will no more be your light by day, nor will the brightness of the moon shine on you, for the Lord will be your everlasting light, and your God will be your glory” (Isaiah 60:19).

Sometimes in the darkest and loneliness moments of our Christian walk we forget that God will bring us brighter days. We must be careful to not judge our future based on present circumstances. Our journey isn’t meant to be a bunch of happy days all wrapped up together, but rather some highs and lows mixed up for the full experience of God’s grace.

Looking for You (2005)

“Satisfy us in the morning with your unfailing love, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days” (Psalm 90:14).

Jesus said in Matthew 7:7 that if we seek after Him—we will find Him. He doesn’t hide from us or make it difficult for His followers to have a thriving relationship with Him. The Lord is always present and waiting for us to reach out to Him. There is great joy when we find the Lord in that place of sweet communion in His presence.

Jesus! (2007)

“If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in them and they in God” (1 John 4:15).

Many believers are tortured or killed every day because they refuse to deny Jesus Christ as their Lord. Yet many of us are fearful or afraid to even mention the name of Jesus at our schools or jobs. We must rise to the occasion of being fearless warriors for Christ so that His name will be proclaimed in every place.

I Smile (2011)

“Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:6).

There are days in which it can be difficult to smile, let alone to express our true joy in the Lord. Yet joy can be under the surface even in the hard days when we continue to keep our eyes on God. The Holy Spirit can stir up hope in the midst of the storm that will encourage us to keep on the pathway of faith.

A God Like You (2011)

“Lord, the God of Israel, there is no God like you in heaven above or on earth below—you who keep your covenant of love with your servants who continue wholeheartedly in your way” (1 Kings 8:23).

What made God choose us before the foundations of the earth were laid? There was nothing good in us—we weren’t seeking after Him. However because of His great love for us, we are saved through faith. God is the only One and True Father of all—we reveal the difference in our Lord in how we live out our faith especially when nothing seems to go our way.

Something About the Name Jesus Pt. 2 (2011)

“Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Philippians 2:9-11).

When we cry out “Jesus”, we know that we are heard. He’s close by to hear the whispers of His name in times of trials. There’s something about the name Jesus that brings peace in the storm, joy in the sorrow, and hope in despair. We are quickened in our hearts through the Holy Spirit to love His name.

Good growing pains…

Each of these songs has their own unique rhythm and sound, but they share one thing in common—faith stretching. All of us need to be in a place of continuing to grow up in spiritual matters as we move towards being more like Christ. Turn up one of Kirk’s songs and be challenged to move your feet and your spirit.

Article by Crystal McDowell

Crystal McDowell is a writer, speaker, and teacher with a passion to encourage believers to know and grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ through practical application of God’s word.  

Crystal and her husband, Marshall, raise their five children in the Bloomington, IL. As a freelance writer and editor for over 13 years, Crystal has published numerous Christian curriculums for Sunday School and VBS as well as many articles dealing with marriage, motherhood, and relationships. She’s a weekly staff writer for www.whatchristianswanttoknow.com as well as writing her own blog at https://crystalmcdowellspeaks.blogspot.com.