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Jesus – Chris Tomlin

A song we’ve been singing regularly in recent weeks is simply titled

Jesus.

 The name of Jesus. It is a powerful thing. Scripture tells us that. Philippians 2 begins with some very powerful verses. The chapter begins speaking of humility and to show us true humility speaks of the humility of Christ. Vs. 6 speaks of him being God, but emptying himself to be a servant. Servanthood that brought the incarnation—Jesus being born man—and the cross where Jesus died.

 

Then, we see the true power of Jesus’ name beginning in verse 10. “…so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”
 

The bridge of this song brings verse 10 to mind.

Messiah, my Savior

There is power in Your name

You’re my rock and, my redeemer

There is power in Your name

In Your name

I hope this song and others like it help you to see and experience the power of Jesus’ name and get to know him better as we sing of His character, traits, what He has done, and all He is to us.

Keep worshiping and keep singing!
 



Sing!

Sing!: How Worship Transforms Your Life, Family, and Church by [Getty, Keith, Getty, Kristyn ]Our church loves the music of the Keith and Kristyn Getty. From In Christ Alone which has been sung countless times here for fifteen years or more to He Will Hold Me Fast, Oh, How Good it Is, For the Cause, and Lift High the Name of Jesus, all songs that are regular on our current worship song list. As a congregation, we’ve appreciated the music of the Getty’s being theologically solid, upward focused, and easy to sing and engaging. With this love for their music, you can only imagine how excited I was to hear this book titled Sing! How Worship Transforms Your Life, Family And Church was coming out.
 
Equally exciting, was a Sunday morning just a few weeks ago when a congregation member and singer very graciously gave me aa copy of this book. I looked forward to reading it. What made it even more exciting was in the mail the next day was a second copy of the book sent from the publisher. I gave the extra copy to another pastor and decided I better get reading!
 

The book is short but filled with depth and wisdom. The book begins with the Biblical basis for congregational singing, and the need for the church to sing. We are created, commanded, and compelled to sing with our hearts and minds. This singing is not limited to a service on a Sunday morning, but extends to our families and through our community. The book ends with the point that our congregational singing witnesses to the world around us. Our singing declares the glory of God in the Gospel of Christ.

At the end of the book are several “Bonus Tracks” that are written for special groups of people such as pastors, worship leaders, musicians, songwriters, and those who work in the music industry.

While a pastor, worship leader, or worship musician may get the most out of this book, anyone-even non-musicians—can learn from the teaching and we can all be challenged with the truth that the important thing is singing with all your heart.

As a worship leader, I highly recommend it to other worship leaders and pastors. Even more, I believe any one of us would benefit from reading it as we strive to worship, declaring the glory of God as sing, proclaiming the gospel together in obedience to God.



Great Are You Lord

If you haven’t already gotten to know this song by All Sons and Daughters, check out this video. This song has been a great addition to our Sunday morning worship songs in recent weeks.

 


Steal Away Home

 

I sometimes wonder what keeps me from truly enjoying fiction. There are certainly exceptions. I’ve been moved by C.S. Lewis and J. R. R. Tolkein. I guess I can be drawn into a great story-line, but I just don’t find myself radiating to it.
 
I was cautiously optimistic as I approached Steal Away Home. First off, it isn’t outright fiction with animals that talk or shires filled with little creatures enjoying second breakfast. It is historical fiction. It is a story told about two real people. One was a pastor/preacher who I truly admire. The other person was new to me. 
 
It is a story of love. A story filled with Christian love and the grace and mercy that the Gospel brings and love we can extend to another brother even if we’re different.
 
Thomas Johnson spent much of his life as a slave until the end of the Civil War. Johnson was able to connect with Charles Spurgeon and attend his Pastor’s College in London to be trained as a missionary. The two became very close and we see a beautiful example of God’s love shining through two people despite their differences and despite the tremendously different paths their pasts have taken them and how they are united in the one most important thing they share: the cross.
 
Perhaps its greatest weakness is a blurred line between history and fiction throughout, but then again, isn’t that always the case with great story tellers? No, this book did not convert me to be a fiction lover, but I do recommend it to those who are. (Mike)
 
I received a copy of this book from B&H Publishing in exchange for a fair and honest review. (Mike Fischer)
You can find this book on Amazon by clicking here
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