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.

My Favorite Bob Kauflin Articles

Motivating the Church to Worship God - This is a challenging article for me because I'm not really one to interject while leading praise, though I understand and appreciate the heart and purpose behind it.  I do see the great benefit of doing so, but at the same time, I want to be cautious so as not to distract.  Gotta find the balance.

Defining Worship - This is a four-parter, so be prepared to do some reading (actually, each part is not too long).  I am truly grateful for Mr. Kauflin's ministry and how God has used him to ignite a passion within me to make sure I understand with my mind what it is that I do as a praise leader, and having the truth of God work in my heart to produce true emotion and true love for the One who first loved (and continues to love) me.

What Does a Worship Leader Do - Ok, be warned: this is a 17-parter!  I would encourage anyone to read all 17, as they are very informative and instructive, and if you lead praise at your church, I would command you (if I had that sort of authority) to read and digest all 17 parts and really think about how to apply what you've read.  I know I'll be going back to read these again.

Entering the "Draw Me Close" Conversation - This is a great example of finding the balance. I appreciate how he doesn't outright dismiss the song, pointing some of its good qualities, but he doesn't hold back from the potential dangers and ambiguities of the song either.  It's also a good reminder that there isn't one song that perfectly embodies all of who God is and what He has done.  So instead of trying to find that perfect song, we should work to build praise sets made up of songs that work together to encourage the genuine worship of God.

You can follow Bob Kauflin's blog at http://www.worshipmatters.com/.  I've recommended it before, but I'll do it again:

What's Up With Contemporary Praise Songs?

A casual listen to contemporary praise songs can leave you thinking God is most interested in making you feel good, giving you a happy and fulfilling life, and commanding you to go and make a social change in this world.  Don't get me wrong: I'm not against those things, but biblically speaking, that is not what God is most passionate about.  You know what He is most passionate about?  His glory.  And that is sadly lacking in many, if not most, of the contemporary songs out there on the radio.  To make matters worse, many of these "Christian" songs filled with "Christianese" have become the most popular ones out there (Note: I don't want to mention specific names because I don't think that's necessary.  This post isn't to bash on anyone, but to lament the current state of affairs in Christian music).  But the reality is, these songs have become so self-centered, that even the ones that actually mention Jesus and/or God typically do it in a way that serves the to highlight the self.

So what's going on here?  Why aren't more people writing biblically-sound praise songs?  Sure, there are some that are doing it, and doing it well (The Gettys, Sovereign Grace, Enfield), but I rarely hear them playing on the radio.  Not that they are necessarily seeking that, but the more exposure their songs get, the more that the truth of the gospel is proclaimed.  But, the radio is playing what they think/know the listeners want to hear, so really the problem is with us.

Well, what's wrong with this, you may ask.  What's wrong?  Everything.  The focus has been flipped around.  These songs are foundationally incorrect.  You want to feel good?  Well, if you're talking about having the joy that only the fruit of the Spirit can bring through knowing and growing in Christ, then I'm on board.  You want your best life now?  Guess what: that's a life of humility and self-sacrifice and daily taking up your cross, not a comfortable lifestyle and mansions and fine dining that some would have you believe.  Sure, if you have those things that doesn't mean you're not a Christian.  But if that's all you're seeking, then chances are you probably aren't.  You want to make a social change in this world?  Feed the hungry, serve the poor?  That's great.  But please be sure that you proclaim the only message that can save people in the eternal sense because this life is temporary, but eternity is, well, eternal.

So this is a call for genuine believers to want to hear music that truly honors God.  Yes, we are free to enjoy all types of music (I love jazz and musicals and classic rock, for example), but when it comes to our praise songs, let's not settle for these watered-down, make-ME-feel-good music because you know what?  Our God is worthy of being praised for who He is and what He has done.  So let's call for more of Shai Linne, more Sovereign Grace, more Enfield, and whoever else out there who is putting out God-glorifying music.  And let's pray for more to be raised up.*








*I'm sure there are more artists out there who fall in this category, so please, if you know of any, let me know.  I would love to hear them.


Oh, and I should point out: this is easier said than done.  Writing good melodies and lyrics is pretty difficult.  But, this does not excuse the many that put out these shallow songs.

The Gathering by Sovereign Grace Music

At the Shepherds' Conference this year there was a table just for Sovereign Grace Music.  I had most of the CDs there, so I was just looking to pick up some gifts for others, but the sister there pointed me to a couple of their newer CDs, including The Gathering, which is a live-recorded compilation of biblically-based songs that bring glory to our great God.  While I enjoyed listening to the entire CD, a few songs truly stand out.  Track 5, "Have Mercy On Me," is a sobering reminder of what I truly deserve as a sinner, and how wonderful this gift of salvation is.  Track 14, "Lift High The Cross," is an evangelistic anthem to proclaim the gospel loud and proud.  It made me think: if I have this precious gift, why do I keep it to myself?  Lastly, probably my favorite one off this album, is #3, "Come Praise And Glorify."  This is like "Come, Christians Join To Sing," but with more in-depth lyrics focused on Christ.  I highly recommend the CD, but if you want to preview the songs, check out the videos below.  If you have any recommendations for God-honoring, biblically-based praise music, please let me know.  Always looking for the good stuff.

1. There is One Reason

                                                        2. Greater Than We Can Imagine

                                                           3. Come Praise And Glorify 

                                                                4. Shine Into Our Night

                                                                5. Have Mercy On Me

                                                                6. Now Why This Fear

                                                                        7. Isaiah 53

                                                                    8. Generous King

                                                                  9. When You Move

                                                               10. Your Words of Life

                                                                    11. Show us Christ

                                                                 12. All I Have Is Christ

                                                             13. We Hunger And Thirst

                                                               14. Lift High The Cross

                                                                     15. As You Go