This week's songs for Sunday

During the mid-week Bible study at our church, Pastor John has been going through the book of Daniel.  Growing up, the Bible stories of Daniel and his three friends were read to us.  I can still see those pictures of him in the lion's den.  I remember he was a man of prayer.  But going through a book expositionally is much different than a picture Bible.  I'm learning especially about prophecy.  I'm ashamed to say that I don't know much about this topic, even though it takes up a large part of the Bible.  I'm ashamed to say that I don't put much stock in this topic, even though it basically tells us what our future is.  I feel a bit foolish, like Biff from Back to the Future, who doesn't initially realize the gold mine he's sitting on by knowing the future. 

In choosing the set for this week, I wanted to look at a few things: Christ as the reigning King over all...the greatness of our God...our response to live for Him...and even a song that reminds us of our great High Priest who intercedes on our behalf.  That last theme was particularly important to me because I know I fail to live out what 1 John 3:3 is talking about.  I am not a perfect man.  I struggle with sin.  I am still a sinner.  But "Before the Throne of God Above" is so powerful because of this reminder that Christ continues to intercede.  Picture Satan as the prosecutor, pointing out my sins to God, telling God that because He is holy and just, He must punish me for my sinfulness.  God agrees.  But then Jesus, my defense attorney, steps in.  He reminds the Judge (not that He has forgotten) that He paid it all.  He bled and died to take away my sin.  He is the propitiation of my sin.

How can we not respond in jubilant, thankful worship, living our lives for Him, even dying for Him? 

1. King of Ages
2. O Great God
3. Before the Throne of God Above
4. One Pure and Holy Passion

Lecrae's Gravity

By now, most people know who Lecrae is (if you don't, just google his name).  His latest album, Gravity, sold more than 70,000 copies in its first week alone.  He skillfully combines solid lyrics with really good beats.  Over the past several years, Christian hip hop has become more main-stream and biblical at the same time.  Now, that's a little strange, isn't it?  You would think the opposite would be true, but for some reason, God is using the likes of Lecrae, Trip Lee, Shai Linne and others to impact the world in a godly way.  While the eternal fruits of these artists remains to be seen, what can't be denied is the positive effect they are having right now.  Young people are starting to be more interested in the things of God.  This is a good thing.  The hip hop culture needs more artists like this to influence and be role models instead of Tupac and Biggie.  Just look at what's going on in Chicago.  A slew of senseless murders.  A young aspiring hip hop artist murdered at the age of 18. 

Praying that Lecrae's life/experience put into words will have the God-honoring effect that they were intended to have.

The Importance of Knowing What You Sing

Recently, a few brothers and I have been going through all of the songs we sing and giving each one a grade.  This is by no means a perfect/absolute standard, but more of a tool to help guide us to pick songs that truly honor God.  I won't go through all the details, but essentially, an "A" song is one that has theologically sound, God-exalting lyrics & good melody.  A "C" song is one that is more of a response song.  A "D" song is one that wouldn't fit for corporate worship (remember, worship is a proper response to who God is and all that He has done, and encapsulates our entire lives, not just singing songs...just want to clarify) because the lyrics are more situational and can't be sung by all Christians at all times.  A "F" song is one that has heretical lyrics and should not be sung in a corporate or personal setting as praise to God.

The project has been fun, and very beneficial for me.  As someone who picks 4-5 songs a week to sing on Sundays, I admit that there are times that I can just assume that a song has good lyrics because either I've sung that song before or it's a hymn, so it's gotta be good, right?  But I have been challenged to really look at each word and make sure it is clear and correct.

We are called to worship God is spirit and in truth.  We must have both.

Weekly Roundup

There are a plethora of good articles out there, which, as Monk would say, is a gift and a curse.  A gift because we have access to all sorts of information.  A curse because...we have access to all sorts of information.  Well, in an attempt to be a discerning reader, here are some articles I found important to read.

The Steps of Biblical Sanctification - Got to keep watch over our spiritual pulses.
10 Ways Ecclesiology Encourages Me - That would be talking about the church
The Default Position of Abortion - May be helpful for those who are pro-choice, but not fully.
Politics - I don't typically follow politics.  This was frustrating to read.