Songs With A Story
I have always appreciated songs that have a genuine story behind the songwriting. Its not the most common that worship songs are written with a profound and moving experience behind them, and that’s definitely ok, but it does make it all the more powerful when they are. From stories like Horatio Spafford’s inspiration for It Is Well With My Soul to John Newton and Amazing Grace to Helen Lemmel and Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus, I have always found a deeper connection to the song knowing the inspiration behind why it was written. Hillsong’s recent CD has so far included two songs that have a backstory and I’ll let the videos tell those stories:
So Quick to Dismiss
As I was scrolling through my facebook feed to stalk all the ‘friends’ in my life, I saw a post by one old high school friend regarding the attachments we get to things in life and learning how to let things go. Interesting subject, of course, but I happened to catch the author of the article… T.D. Jakes. Immediately in my head I thought, “Na… I know some of the stuff he teaches and I don’t always buy his theology,” and proceeded to ignore the article and move on.
I then caught myself, wondering why I so quickly dismissed the writer because it was someone who I don’t particularly care for. Does that ever mean that they don’t actually sometimes have insight into Scripture? Is Joel Osteen always off-base when he preaches, or just when he gets too much into prosperity gospel? Does the germane writing of Max Lucado still have deep theological truths that can be waned from it or are they mostly just surface warm-fuzzy books? A little closer to home for some of the readers here… when Doug Pagitt writes something or John MacArthur writes something, do we immediately dismiss it as too liberal or too conservative, or we just happen to know what that author stands for, therefor we won’t read it. I, on one hand, do love reading both emergent and reformed writers (but then again, that’s why I have this blog), but I know I quickly dismiss authors that are often outside this sphere.
So, my challenge to myself, is what can I learn from those just outside my sphere of Christianity (I actually do well reading non-Christian writers, even those who attack the faith). Learn from charismatics as well as liturgical-based folks. Find out what I can from the neo-Orthodox liberals as much as the James Dobson’s of the world. That is not to say without a filter, but I should never dismiss them as not having truth to teach, in some form or another.
I think this goes back to the discussion of The Shack earlier. I admit, I may have taken a more conservative stance on The Shack than I should have. That’s not to say Driscoll’s points aren’t valid, in my opinion, but people SHOULD read the book. But with the knowledge of the things that Driscoll brought up. Its called engaging culture and writings and testing it against scripture. Maybe things in the book are a bit off-base or possibly heretical, but that doesn’t invalidate the possible ability to have insight into the truth of God in other parts. My point following Driscoll’s video was more related to people who read that book because its a fad, not because I theologically fully agreed with Driscoll. But when more people are reading that book instead of the Bible, that is when it might become a little dangerous. Just a thought.
PCUSA Approves Homosexual Clergy
Up to a few years ago, I was working at a PCUSA church. I also used to be a student at Columbia Theological Seminary, a PCUSA seminary, before transferring to RTS. For those outside the terminology, the PCUSA is the more liberal branch of the Presbyterian Church in the United States, not to be confused with PCA, EPC, OPC, or others. Well, it seems that they have made steps to go ahead and approve of the ordination of practicing homosexuals in America. Albert Mohler discusses the vote here. Thoughts?
Jesus Loves the Little Dinosaurs?
Dan Kimball recently posted some great images of Jesus and his love for dinosaurs. You gotta laugh at some of these:
Truly outrageous… like Jem.
[ht: Vintage Faith]
The ABBA Fund for Adoption
I heard from two different sources about the ABBA fund today. Something all churches should at least look into and consider.
Many believers are stepping out in faith and following God’s direction to care for orphans and expand their families through adoption, yet these families often are discouraged by seemingly insurmountable financial obstacles along the way. By establishing adoption funds, local churches can directly minister to their own church families by removing the financial barriers so often faced by adoptive families. At The ABBA Fund, we desire to use our experience and passion for adoption to assist churches in establishing and administering church adoption funds. We provide our services at no charge to the church so that every dollar contributed will be used to assist families in their time of need.
[ht: Between Two Worlds]
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