Jesus Put Death in His Grave!

Encouragement for the Fainthearted

In describing this song, I heard Laura say something like this: Instead of judging God based on our circumstances (which we don't understand), why don't we judge our circumstances based on who God is and what He has promised?

(hat tip: J. Brooks)

Music: Gift or God?

Here is a great article by Bob Kauflin about how a gift from God (like music) can become an idol.

New Sovereign Grace Kids Music

I love Sovereign Grace Kids music. Doesn't get any sweeter than Gospel-drenched fun songs. My family has worn out the Be Like Jesus CD. If you have kids or grand kids, there is no better music available today (Yep, you read that right: You've got to get it).

They now have a new CD with music inspired by Proverbs: Walking with the Wise. Looks and sounds good.

Parents, buy these CDs. Even if you have to skip a few tall caramel coffee thingies.

New Hymns for the Church

I'm really enjoying the new Getty CD (the same folks who gave us In Christ Alone and The Power of the Cross). You can listen to samples at the WTS site.

T4G Live!!

Together for the Gospel Live is available for pre-order. I don't think I've ever been as excited about a CD. 19 Christ-centered hymns accompanied by 5,000 voices (including my own). You can listen to samples and download 3 free songs here.

At The Cross

A rare occassion at CROSS-eyed blog: a music recommendation.

I was introduced to Daniel Renstrom earlier this year and love his album "Adore and Tremble" (thanks Chris!).

Well, I noticed that you can download my favorite song of his, "At the Cross" for free. We have sang this song several times at Christ Baptist together and have found it to be a great declaration of our common gratefulness that Christ was in our place.

How Sweet and Awful is The Place

I'm loving meditating on this hymn. It has been in my head since T4G. Does anyone know of anywhere to get a recording of it?

1. How sweet and awful is the place
With Christ within the doors,
While everlasting love displays
The choicest of her stores.

2. While all our hearts and all our songs
Join to admire the feast,
Each of us cry, with thankful tongues,
"Lord, why was I a guest?"

3. "Why was I made to hear Thy voice,
And enter while there's room,
When thousands make a wretched choice,
And rather starve than come?"

4. 'Twas the same love that spread the feast
That sweetly drew us in;
Else we had still refused to taste,
And perished in our sin.

5. Pity the nations, O our God,
Constrain the earth to come;
Send Thy victorious Word abroad,
And bring the strangers home.

6. We long to see Thy churches full,
That all the chosen race
May, with one voice and heart and soul,
Sing Thy redeeming grace.

Isaac Watts

Resource Spotlight: Sovereign Grace Music

One of the best ways to preach the gospel to yourself is to listen to and learn gospel-saturated songs. Sovereign Grace Music is a gift from God to us. They write and record songs that help us look upward to the all-sufficient Savior. I would encourage you to get one or two of their CDs and begin to learn some of these Christ-centered songs for the joy of your own soul.
Parents, serve your kids by teaching them solid theology through music.

Worship Matters: Get This Book!

I love this book! Worship Matters is very different from any other book I've ever read. It is not deep theologically. It doesn't contain ideas that are hard to grasp. It is just downright practical. I recommend that every pastor, "music guy", praise team member, etc. read this book. Bob Kauflin is uniquely qualified to write this book and has served us well with this volume.

Here is a short list of things I like about this book:

1. It is Christ-centered.

2. It puts music in its proper place in the life of the church (which is anywhere but central).

3. It is filled with personal illustrations, examples, and nitty gritty details.

4. It teaches us how to recieve both criticism and encouragement.

5. It places worship in its Biblical context.

6. It reminds us that how we relate to people is more important than the style of music we play.

7. It elevates the local church.

8. It teaches humility.

9. It summarizes why there are better songs than "Above All" (pages 224-225 for those who are curious).

I don't agree with Bob on every issue. However, I completely agree with where he places the emphasis: on the gospel.