For a while I've been following the new music coming from churchworksmedia.com and have appreciated the theological and devotional content of the poetry in their new hymns. Also, I appreciate the "singability" and "learnability" (if you will) of the melodies making them appropriate for congregational use.
I feel the newest addition by Chris Anderson and Greg Habegger, entitled Relentless Love, is possibly their best as of yet and look forward to using it in my own church. Read through the poem and listen to the recording they have provided on the site and I'm sure you will agree!
Relentless Love
Kudos to Chris Anderson, Greg Habegger, and the others contributing to provide this resource for Christ's church around the country. May God continue to use you!
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Saturday, July 23, 2011
Book review
"We resemble what we revere for ruin or restoration." This is the premise of G. K. Beale's book entitled, We Become What we Worship. In it, Beale argues that the idolatrous Israelites were indicted by God as resembling, to their shame, the unbecoming characteristics of the lifeless idols which they reverenced.
Beginning with the Isaiah 6 account in which Isaiah is confronted with the glory of God, Beale argues that Israel had become spiritually deaf and blind just as the idols had "eyes but do not see" and "ears but do not hear." Isaiah stands in contrast to the unbelieving Israelites because he saw God in his temple and heard and attended to the voice of the Lord.
Beale ends the book by turning his theology of idolatry on end and arguing that a worshiper of the true God also has the capacity of reflecting Whom he reveres for his own restoration.
The premise of this book is compelling. I believe it helps us understand the passages in the Old Testament in which the people of God were deaf to His message. It was a result of their own sin of idolatry and rejection of God that their hearts were hardened toward God; and in the same way, our hearts can be hardened when we reach out to things that set themselves up as idols in our lives. We stop resembling God and begin to resemble the things that we value or hope in the most.
But when we worship God, valuing Him above all else, we actually begin to reflect who He is in his glorious moral purity and loveliness. This is sanctification; we partake in the Divine nature through Christ!
"Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God." Romans 12:2 (HCSB)
Beginning with the Isaiah 6 account in which Isaiah is confronted with the glory of God, Beale argues that Israel had become spiritually deaf and blind just as the idols had "eyes but do not see" and "ears but do not hear." Isaiah stands in contrast to the unbelieving Israelites because he saw God in his temple and heard and attended to the voice of the Lord.
Beale ends the book by turning his theology of idolatry on end and arguing that a worshiper of the true God also has the capacity of reflecting Whom he reveres for his own restoration.
The premise of this book is compelling. I believe it helps us understand the passages in the Old Testament in which the people of God were deaf to His message. It was a result of their own sin of idolatry and rejection of God that their hearts were hardened toward God; and in the same way, our hearts can be hardened when we reach out to things that set themselves up as idols in our lives. We stop resembling God and begin to resemble the things that we value or hope in the most.
But when we worship God, valuing Him above all else, we actually begin to reflect who He is in his glorious moral purity and loveliness. This is sanctification; we partake in the Divine nature through Christ!
"Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God." Romans 12:2 (HCSB)
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Christian "Holy War"
"Christianity", in the broadest sense of the term, has often been criticized for being historically a violent, "holy war" religion. One need only look back to the crusades waged by the Roman Catholic church and other "holy wars" of the middle ages to see justification of this indictment. Perhaps even in the establishment of the United States of America and other conquests of the New World was there a mentality of warring under God's banner to conquer the land and set up a "theocracy."
I think at the root of said "holy wars" is a foundational misunderstanding of the New Testament and its language of spiritual warfare. In Ephesians 6, Paul tells the Ephesian believers to put on the armor of God and to wage spiritual warfare against Satan. However, this warfare refers to the individual's personal battle against sin or "the devil's schemes."
In Revelation 2 and 3, John writes six letters dictated by Christ to the churches in Asia. Christ refers to "the victor" challenging the members of each church to succeed in their battle against sin. Again, this appears to be a very personal struggle, not against ungodliness outside the church (although perhaps sometimes this is also in view) but against sin in each member.
How would such an understanding affect our worship? Imagery of the church doing battle for the gospel and conquering the world for Jesus should be evaluated with caution. Yes, we are called to take the gospel to the world, and woe is us if we don not do so, but we do not do this through warfare as other religions.
Perhaps we need to emphasize warfare as that which happens in our own personal, everyday life in battle against sin. "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand" (Ephesians 6:12-13).
In the context of encouraging the believers to run the race of the Christian life with faith, the author of Hebrews says this, "You have not yet resisted to the point of shedding blood in your striving [warring] against sin; and you have forgotten the exhortation which is addressed to you as sons" (Hebrews 12:4). The author then goes on to speak of the discipline of the Lord.
A recent song that appropriately illustrates the idea of warfare against personal sin puts it this way: "Let no vice or sin remain that resists Your holy war."
This "holy war" is not waged by the Templar Knight or by the suicide bomber, but by the true follower of Christ.
It is not waged against unbelievers or infidels, but against the flesh that is bent toward sin.
It is not waged in Jerusalem or Iraq, but every day in the heart of the Christian.
May we be challenged today to wage that battle against self for the true glory of God and the testimony of Christ in a lost world!
I think at the root of said "holy wars" is a foundational misunderstanding of the New Testament and its language of spiritual warfare. In Ephesians 6, Paul tells the Ephesian believers to put on the armor of God and to wage spiritual warfare against Satan. However, this warfare refers to the individual's personal battle against sin or "the devil's schemes."
In Revelation 2 and 3, John writes six letters dictated by Christ to the churches in Asia. Christ refers to "the victor" challenging the members of each church to succeed in their battle against sin. Again, this appears to be a very personal struggle, not against ungodliness outside the church (although perhaps sometimes this is also in view) but against sin in each member.
How would such an understanding affect our worship? Imagery of the church doing battle for the gospel and conquering the world for Jesus should be evaluated with caution. Yes, we are called to take the gospel to the world, and woe is us if we don not do so, but we do not do this through warfare as other religions.
Perhaps we need to emphasize warfare as that which happens in our own personal, everyday life in battle against sin. "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand" (Ephesians 6:12-13).
In the context of encouraging the believers to run the race of the Christian life with faith, the author of Hebrews says this, "You have not yet resisted to the point of shedding blood in your striving [warring] against sin; and you have forgotten the exhortation which is addressed to you as sons" (Hebrews 12:4). The author then goes on to speak of the discipline of the Lord.
A recent song that appropriately illustrates the idea of warfare against personal sin puts it this way: "Let no vice or sin remain that resists Your holy war."
This "holy war" is not waged by the Templar Knight or by the suicide bomber, but by the true follower of Christ.
It is not waged against unbelievers or infidels, but against the flesh that is bent toward sin.
It is not waged in Jerusalem or Iraq, but every day in the heart of the Christian.
May we be challenged today to wage that battle against self for the true glory of God and the testimony of Christ in a lost world!
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Songs for Scripture memory
What is one of the biggest benefits of singing our theology? You tell me... I would submit that one of the most tangible benefits lies in music's impression on the memory.
How do children learn the alphabet? They sing their "A,B,C's"! Children memorize songs with amazing speed. But so do adults! How much of the day do you have a song running through your head? Sometimes it is a song you would love to get out of your head...how do you get rid of it? With a song you want in your head!
I think one of the most powerful ways to teach good theology lies in the singing of psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. There is a reason Paul instructed the believers in Colosse to teach and admonish one another through congregational singing; it played an important roll in allowing the Word of Christ to dwell in them richly!
That in mind, I just came across a website by Mark Altrogge called Forever Grateful Music. He has written very simple songs intended specifically as an aid in Scripture memory. Now that's creative! And I think he has captured (conceptually) one of the great benefits of putting Scripture and biblical theology to music.
Help me out... What are the greatest benefits of singing Scripture and theology? How do we capitalize on that?
How do children learn the alphabet? They sing their "A,B,C's"! Children memorize songs with amazing speed. But so do adults! How much of the day do you have a song running through your head? Sometimes it is a song you would love to get out of your head...how do you get rid of it? With a song you want in your head!
I think one of the most powerful ways to teach good theology lies in the singing of psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. There is a reason Paul instructed the believers in Colosse to teach and admonish one another through congregational singing; it played an important roll in allowing the Word of Christ to dwell in them richly!
That in mind, I just came across a website by Mark Altrogge called Forever Grateful Music. He has written very simple songs intended specifically as an aid in Scripture memory. Now that's creative! And I think he has captured (conceptually) one of the great benefits of putting Scripture and biblical theology to music.
Help me out... What are the greatest benefits of singing Scripture and theology? How do we capitalize on that?
Thursday, February 10, 2011
It Is not Death to Die
If you are not signed up for Worship Quote of the Week, I recommend this free newsletter sent out by Carl Stam, worship lecturer at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He sends out a hymn text or thought about worship every week on Tuesday and I often find them uplifting and challenging. Check it out!
The text he mentioned today was written by Henri Malan in the nineteenth century, but has recently been given a face lift by Bob Kauflin with Sovereign Grace.
The text is especially poignant to Carl Stam who has been battling cancer for quite some time and is not sure how much longer God has for him on earth. This text encouraged me around the time of my Grandma's death two years ago and I am reminded of its hope-bringing truth as I think of my Grandpa's home going last fall. Death is no longer something to fear for the believer. It is not our final enemy, but that which conveys us to "wake in joy" before the throne of God and spend eternity with Him!
It Is Not Death to Die
It is not death to die,
To leave this weary road,
And join the saints who dwell on high
Who’ve found their home with God.
It is not death to close
The eyes long dimmed by tears,
And wake in joy before Your throne,
Delivered from our fears,
CHORUS
O Jesus, conquering the grave
Your precious blood has power to save.
Those who trust in You
Will in Your mercy find
That it is not death to die
It is not death to fling
Aside this earthly dust
And rise with strong and noble wing
To live among the just,
It is not death to hear
The key unlock the door
That sets us free from mortal years
To praise You evermore.
You can listen to a free recording here.
The text he mentioned today was written by Henri Malan in the nineteenth century, but has recently been given a face lift by Bob Kauflin with Sovereign Grace.
The text is especially poignant to Carl Stam who has been battling cancer for quite some time and is not sure how much longer God has for him on earth. This text encouraged me around the time of my Grandma's death two years ago and I am reminded of its hope-bringing truth as I think of my Grandpa's home going last fall. Death is no longer something to fear for the believer. It is not our final enemy, but that which conveys us to "wake in joy" before the throne of God and spend eternity with Him!
It Is Not Death to Die
It is not death to die,
To leave this weary road,
And join the saints who dwell on high
Who’ve found their home with God.
It is not death to close
The eyes long dimmed by tears,
And wake in joy before Your throne,
Delivered from our fears,
CHORUS
O Jesus, conquering the grave
Your precious blood has power to save.
Those who trust in You
Will in Your mercy find
That it is not death to die
It is not death to fling
Aside this earthly dust
And rise with strong and noble wing
To live among the just,
It is not death to hear
The key unlock the door
That sets us free from mortal years
To praise You evermore.
You can listen to a free recording here.
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
O Father, We Are Yours
I want to share a song with you that my sister and I have been working on. Sarah is a wonderful poet who has written many poems in her own private worship. She has shown me a few of them which I hope to set to music soon.
In October, I sent Sarah the chorus of this hymn text and asked if she would write a poem based on John 13-17 to go with it. A couple weeks later, she wrote back with these three stanzas. I've written a tune for it but unfortunately I am not able at this time to upload audio...maybe later!
May you be encouraged--as I believe the disciples were by Christ's departing words to them--in your earthly pilgrimage as you fight the spiritual battle knowing that Christ is strong and His strength is in you! May we all be challenged this coming year to testify of the Father revealed in Jesus Christ.
O Father, We Are Yours
O Father, we are Yours, to Christ we now belong,
And in this earthly pilgrimage we are weak, but You are strong!
Entrusted with Your Word, we have a message to proclaim,
And though the world reject us, keep us faithful to Your name!
Chorus:
Chorus:
By Your truth sanctify
Our hearts to testify
Of the Father shown,
In the Son made known:
Of the love of Jesus Christ!
We dwell in hostile land, with evils all around,
We dwell in hostile land, with evils all around,
Relentless is our enemy, this life a battle ground;
Protect us, Father, by Your truth and keep our eyes on You,
And to the One Who sent us may our hearts be every true!
Oh may our hearts be one in purpose and in love,
Oh may our hearts be one in purpose and in love,
Reflecting that which You Yourself have shown us from above;
That by our unity we might bear witness to the truth,
And of Your love in Jesus to the world we might be proof.Edit:
Alright, I figured out one way to get the audio on here for you... it's not ideal but it'll do for now.
Right click on this link and open it in a new tab/window, then you can look at the text as the music plays. Thanks for bearing with me as I figure this out!
Thursday, December 16, 2010
Christmas Hymn from Getty/Townend
As you take time this year to wonder at the mystery of Christ's birth and all that the incarnation means, I hope it causes your heart to swell with gratitude and awe at the mystery of God's plan for our redemption! Keith Getty and Stuart Townend have written a hymn text that captures the mystery of Christ's birth as the "mighty Prince of Life shelters in a stable."
Take a moment to reflect on this text and praise God that the "babe in Bethlehem" is in truth "the Lord of history" born for your eternal salvation!
Joy has dawned upon the world,
Promised from creation—
God's salvation now unfurled,
Hope for ev'ry nation.
Not with fanfares from above,
Not with scenes of glory,
But a humble gift of love—
Jesus born of Mary.
Sounds of wonder fill the sky
With the songs of angels
As the mighty Prince of Life
Shelters in a stable.
Hands that set each star in place,
Shaped the earth in darkness,
Cling now to a mother's breast,
Vuln'rable and helpless.
Shepherds bow before the Lamb,
Gazing at the glory;
Gifts of men from distant lands
Prophesy the story.
Gold—a King is born today,
Incense—God is with us,
Myrrh—His death will make a way,
And by His blood He'll win us.
Son of Adam, Son of heaven,
Given as a ransom;
Reconciling God and man,
Christ, our mighty champion!
What a Savior! What a Friend!
What a glorious myst'ry!
Once a babe in Bethlehem,
Now the Lord of hist'ry.
Take a moment to reflect on this text and praise God that the "babe in Bethlehem" is in truth "the Lord of history" born for your eternal salvation!
Joy has dawned upon the world,
Promised from creation—
God's salvation now unfurled,
Hope for ev'ry nation.
Not with fanfares from above,
Not with scenes of glory,
But a humble gift of love—
Jesus born of Mary.
Sounds of wonder fill the sky
With the songs of angels
As the mighty Prince of Life
Shelters in a stable.
Hands that set each star in place,
Shaped the earth in darkness,
Cling now to a mother's breast,
Vuln'rable and helpless.
Shepherds bow before the Lamb,
Gazing at the glory;
Gifts of men from distant lands
Prophesy the story.
Gold—a King is born today,
Incense—God is with us,
Myrrh—His death will make a way,
And by His blood He'll win us.
Son of Adam, Son of heaven,
Given as a ransom;
Reconciling God and man,
Christ, our mighty champion!
What a Savior! What a Friend!
What a glorious myst'ry!
Once a babe in Bethlehem,
Now the Lord of hist'ry.
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Old Hymn/New Tune
So, it's been way to long since I've posted. I'd like to use as an excuse the fact that I am a busy seminarian with loads of reading and projects looming, but that is hardly adequate.
Soon, I would like to post more substantially, but for now this will have to suffice.
Last Sunday, I sang this hymn by Anne Steele (1716-1778) that has recently been set to music by Kevin Twit, founder of Indelible Grace Music. If you have not heard of Anne Steele, it may benefit you to research her life. Having written 144 hymns in her life time, Anne is considered one of the foremost English Baptist Hymn writers.
The story of her life is anything but inspiring. Losing her mother at age 3, she was left to the care of her father, a timber merchant who also was a lay pastor in their church in Broughton. At age 19, she became an invalid. Furthermore, the man to which she was engaged to be married drowned the day before the wedding. Anne was no stranger to trials, yet from her hand flowed numerous hymns of praise to God.
This particular song gives testimony to her sweet spirit amidst life's trials. It was a challenge to me--I hope it is to you.
Soon, I would like to post more substantially, but for now this will have to suffice.
Last Sunday, I sang this hymn by Anne Steele (1716-1778) that has recently been set to music by Kevin Twit, founder of Indelible Grace Music. If you have not heard of Anne Steele, it may benefit you to research her life. Having written 144 hymns in her life time, Anne is considered one of the foremost English Baptist Hymn writers.
The story of her life is anything but inspiring. Losing her mother at age 3, she was left to the care of her father, a timber merchant who also was a lay pastor in their church in Broughton. At age 19, she became an invalid. Furthermore, the man to which she was engaged to be married drowned the day before the wedding. Anne was no stranger to trials, yet from her hand flowed numerous hymns of praise to God.
This particular song gives testimony to her sweet spirit amidst life's trials. It was a challenge to me--I hope it is to you.
Dear refuge of my weary soul,
On Thee, when sorrows rise
On Thee, when waves of trouble roll,
My fainting hope relies
To Thee I tell each rising grief,
For Thou alone canst heal
Thy Word can bring a sweet relief,
For every pain I feel
On Thee, when sorrows rise
On Thee, when waves of trouble roll,
My fainting hope relies
To Thee I tell each rising grief,
For Thou alone canst heal
Thy Word can bring a sweet relief,
For every pain I feel
But oh! When gloomy doubts prevail,
I fear to call Thee mine
The springs of comfort seem to fail,
And all my hopes decline
Yet gracious God, where shall I flee?
Thou art my only trust
And still my soul would cleave to Thee
Though prostrate in the dust
I fear to call Thee mine
The springs of comfort seem to fail,
And all my hopes decline
Yet gracious God, where shall I flee?
Thou art my only trust
And still my soul would cleave to Thee
Though prostrate in the dust
Hast Thou not bid me seek Thy face,
And shall I seek in vain?
And can the ear of sovereign grace,
Be deaf when I complain?
No still the ear of sovereign grace,
Attends the mourner's prayer
Oh may I ever find access,
To breathe my sorrows there
And shall I seek in vain?
And can the ear of sovereign grace,
Be deaf when I complain?
No still the ear of sovereign grace,
Attends the mourner's prayer
Oh may I ever find access,
To breathe my sorrows there
Thy mercy seat is open still,
Here let my soul retreat
With humble hope attend Thy will,
And wait beneath Thy feet,
Thy mercy seat is open still,
Here let my soul retreat
With humble hope attend Thy will,
And wait beneath Thy feet
Here let my soul retreat
With humble hope attend Thy will,
And wait beneath Thy feet,
Thy mercy seat is open still,
Here let my soul retreat
With humble hope attend Thy will,
And wait beneath Thy feet
You can find the music here. As of yet, I have not found a quality recording, so if you find one let me know in the comments section!
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
O Sacred Head Now Wounded
Here is an arrangement of O Sacred Head Now Wounded that I wrote for string quartet. This summer, I got a quartet together and we played this as part of the Fourth of July program at Fourth Baptist Church in Plymouth, MN.
The text, attributed to Bernard of Clairvaux, expresses the sinner's sorrow mixed with joy at the thought of Jesus' amazing love demonstrated by willingly enduring unspeakable suffering for him. The last stanza rises to intense praise where no language is adequate to express love for the One who showed us what love truly is (1 John 3:16).
(Text below)
O sacred Head, now wounded, with grief and shame weighed down,
Now scornfully surrounded with thorns, Thine only crown;
O sacred Head, what glory, what bliss till now was Thine!
Yet, though despised and gory, I joy to call Thee mine.
What Thou, my Lord, hast suffered, was all for sinners’ gain;
Mine, mine was the transgression, but Thine the deadly pain.
Lo, here I fall, my Savior! ’Tis I deserve Thy place;
Look on me with Thy favor, vouchsafe to me Thy grace.
What language shall I borrow to thank Thee, dearest friend,
For this Thy dying sorrow, Thy pity without end?
O make me Thine forever, and should I fainting be,
Lord, let me never, never outlive my love to Thee.
"Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends." John 15:13
The text, attributed to Bernard of Clairvaux, expresses the sinner's sorrow mixed with joy at the thought of Jesus' amazing love demonstrated by willingly enduring unspeakable suffering for him. The last stanza rises to intense praise where no language is adequate to express love for the One who showed us what love truly is (1 John 3:16).
(Text below)
O sacred Head, now wounded, with grief and shame weighed down,
Now scornfully surrounded with thorns, Thine only crown;
O sacred Head, what glory, what bliss till now was Thine!
Yet, though despised and gory, I joy to call Thee mine.
What Thou, my Lord, hast suffered, was all for sinners’ gain;
Mine, mine was the transgression, but Thine the deadly pain.
Lo, here I fall, my Savior! ’Tis I deserve Thy place;
Look on me with Thy favor, vouchsafe to me Thy grace.
What language shall I borrow to thank Thee, dearest friend,
For this Thy dying sorrow, Thy pity without end?
O make me Thine forever, and should I fainting be,
Lord, let me never, never outlive my love to Thee.
"Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends." John 15:13
Monday, August 2, 2010
Psalm 73 - Sonnet
Asaph's first psalm (73) of the eleven in the Hebrew Psalter (73-83) has been one of my favorite psalms. It is a good psalm for renewing a godward perspective on life. At first, Asaph, in brutal honesty tells of the doubts raging in his mind as he observes the prosperity of the wicked and the apparent injustice that they are not punished for their wickedness. But when Asaph seeks the presence of the Lord, his mind is renewed, his perspective is changed and he realizes the uncertainty of this life and the hopelessness of temporal pleasure.
What follows is a paraphrase of Psalm 73 in sonnet form. If you are familiar with sonnet form, you know that a sonnet is a 14-line poem comprised of 8 lines describing the conflict followed by 6 lines of resolution. This form fits the composition of this psalm of Asaph nicely. Lines 1-8 follow verses 1-16 of the psalm and lines 9-14 follow verses 17-28.
Read Psalm 73 then read this sonnet and renew your perspective to trust in your God!
What follows is a paraphrase of Psalm 73 in sonnet form. If you are familiar with sonnet form, you know that a sonnet is a 14-line poem comprised of 8 lines describing the conflict followed by 6 lines of resolution. This form fits the composition of this psalm of Asaph nicely. Lines 1-8 follow verses 1-16 of the psalm and lines 9-14 follow verses 17-28.
Read Psalm 73 then read this sonnet and renew your perspective to trust in your God!
The Lord indeed is good to those who seek
And love Him with a heart to see His hand
But I despaired to see and understand
That proud men prosper far beyond the meek
They live their lives of comfort and of ease
And mock the God that gave them breath of life
But have no retribution for their strife
While righteous writhe in spite of their good deeds
But when I sought the presence of the Lord
Then He made clear to me their dire end
Their judgment is as sure as God’s command
Eternal suffering is their just reward
Lord, Whom have I in heaven above but You?
You are my God, I’ll tell of all You do!
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