Inspirational poetry goes back to before the Old Testament Prophets. In fact, according to Holmans Bible Dictionary, one third of the Old Testament is cast in poetry. Thirty five Old Testament books contain poetic expressions that often include prophetic overtones. From Genesis 2:23 through Zechariah 9-11:3, words of encouragement and religious instruction are evident. In some cases, as in most of the book of Isaiah, even future events are presented in poetry.

Prophecy and poetry have been teammates through the centuries. Their voices cry out to a lost and dying world. They speak to a troubled church. Both declare the majesty and glory of God.

It was the 1st century Christians, however, that led the way for modern Christian poetry. Their relationship with Jesus inspired their writings as they focused their attention on being in harmony with God. The result was an in-filling of Love, Joy, Peace, Compassion, and a host of other deep emotions that gave evidence of their love for God and their faith in Jesus Christ. Out of this inspiration came a poetic expression that was uniquely Christian.

This uniquely Christian expression was and still is characterized by three separate and distinct factors: Co-authorship, Christian Focus, and Spiritual Unity. These are the building blocks of good Christian poetry.

Co-authorship is the trademark of all Christian poetry. The inspiration comes from the same Holy Spirit that moved upon the prophets of old. However, this time, it's from an indwelling presence rather than an overshadowing anointing that fell only to depart again. The inspiration is from God and the style is from the poet. Together they form the content of the poetic expression.

The focus of all Christian Poetry is on the Christian experience through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. The poet's inspiration is more personal in nature than even traditional secular sources. Instead of the beauty of a tree, it is the glory of the one that created the tree that inspires the poet.

Spiritual Unity is a two-fold process that involves both redemption and restoration. Both are central to the overall message. Both validate the inspiration as truly being from God.

This unique partnership in poetry quickly spread into the main stream of the Christian experience. Suddenly and without warning, Jewish and Gentile Christians began to express their most intimate and personal experiences with God through poetry. Slowly but surely, a Christian Poetic Expression emerged outside of its Hebrew origins into the entire Christian world.

As the Christian Poetic Expression became evident in all ethnic groups, its pulse was felt in poems of Praise, Prayer, Prophecy, and Thanksgiving. Its voice was heard through poems that Edified, Declared, Revealed, and Encouraged.

Christian Poetry quickly became therapeutic in nature. It calmed the troubled soul. It strengthened weary hearts and fostered Faith. It offered comfort, blessings, guidance, encouragement, instruction, and even a gentle rebuke.

Many of today's Christian Poets have their own Internet web site and use computers as an every day tool to compose, edit and log their work. They come from all nationalities, all denominations, all walks of life, all ethnic backgrounds, and all age groups. Their poetry is an expression of the times in which they live. They author poems on Anti-Abortion, Human Rights, and the Y2K Dilemma, as well as Love, Praise, Faith and the other relational aspects of their Christian walk.

Today's Christian Poets share their gifting as a ministry of love. Their ministries include; comfort to the elderly, sending poetic letters of protest to local newspapers, penning poetic tracts for the lost and greeting cards for various holidays. Some even design giant poster poems for public display.

The Christian Poetic Expression is very alive and well in today's world. It has survived the trials and tribulations of nearly 2,000 years and will continue until Jesus returns. Its future lies in the hands of countless thousands of Christians who seek and enjoy Divine Inspiration. Its value is as good as the poet's relationship with Jesus.

May the Lord Bless you & keep you in His Love.

God Bless you as we all follow Him.