Worship Quote

"Regardless of what we think or feel, there is no authentic worship of God without a right knowledge of God...[which is found] in the revealed truth of Scripture." Bob Kauflin, Worship Matters, pg. 28

Although in the context of this quotation the author is speaking to worship leaders, I believe it is applicable to all of us.

I'm still "thinking" about the previous post. This quote follows along with the discussion. (Actually, there is no discussion. That would require you to provide input or comments.) So, we press on.

Defining Worship pt. 1

I had a great conversation today with someone about worship. Although we all think we know what the word "worship" means, it can be a bit slippery to nail down. It is certainly a bigger idea than merely "the music at the beginning of our Sunday morning service."

So, what do YOU think? Anyone out there willing to provide a comment to share your idea about the definition of Worship?

I'll think more and write more tomorrow.

Memorial Day 2008

Today we remember those who have fallen in service to our country. Throughout the decades many men and women have paid the ultimate price so that we can breathe the fresh air of freedom. I often take these things for granted. I'm afraid we all do.

Steven Curtis Chapman - Cinderella

As the father of three girls I loved this song from the first time I heard it. Given the recent tragedy in the Chapman family, this is a fitting tribute.

Life is Precious, Hug Your Kids

As I drove my girls to school this morning I heard the tragic news on the Christian radio station. The 5 year old daughter of singer/songwriter Steven Curtis Chapman was killed yesterday. She was apparently playing in the family driveway when she was accidentally struck by a vehicle.

I told my girls "I love you" an extra time as they got out of the van at their school. Wow, life is so precious. None of us can be guaranteed that we will live to see even the end of this day. I'm so thankful for the grace of a sovereign God. In his grace I have been given today. How will I spend it? Hopefully in a way that glorifies Him.

Please join me in praying for the Chapman family. And hug your kids today.

Update: More details have been released. Read here.

Whirlwind Week

The past week has been a real whirlwind. My time in Cleveland at Parkside Church was very refreshing. I made the trip with a great bunch of guys from a neighboring church. I returned to KY just in time to change clothes and jump in the car with my family for a trip to West Virginia. We had a great time at my niece's wedding. I hope to have pictures to post soon.

The wedding was a great expression of the gospel and celebration of Christian marriage. It was so encouraging and a wonderful time with family and dear friends. Now Mike is officially part of our family and we welcome him with great joy.

The busyness of ministry and my lack of anything interesting to say will keep me from posting for a while. Blessings to all who visit here regularly. Press on!

Just Outside of Cleveland

I am posting from just outside of Cleveland. I travelled here with a bunch of ministry friends for the Basics Conference at Parkside Church. What a blessing already and it has just barely gotten started.

Alistair Begg is the pastor at Parkside and a wonderful host. Plus he has that cool accent us Yanks just love. The music is being led by Keith and Kristyn Getty. If you don't know their music you must find it...now. They are so gifted and have provided the church with a wealth of modern, Christ-centered hymns. I thought as we sang tonight, every church in America should be singing these hymns. I know that is painful for those who are clutching the old red hymnbook with white knuckles. Those who haven't been introduced to these hymns are missing a real blessing. (step down from soap box)

Today we heard Jerry Bridges who is a gifted writer and minister. He shared his heart sticking close to the conference theme: Preaching the Gospel to Yourself. This is a phrase that Bridges sort of coined in one of his books several years ago. He admits that he heard the phrase in a sermon years ago.

This evening Voddie Baucham had a great sermon from 2 Timothy. He focused on the two prong message from Paul to Timothy: Preach the gospel and be prepared to suffer for it. Good stuff.

The close of the evening was a wonderful mini-concert by the Gettys as they rolled out a brand new hymn, 'Let The Creation Rejoice' (not exactly sure if that's the title). Really good stuff.

Will post more as time permits. Cleveland Rocks!

Mountian Momma

It is Mother's Day weekend. In fact, this is the 100th anniversary of the holiday. I hope my mother got the card we mailed. She is in WV. Our family will be gathering for "the big wedding" next weekend so I'll see my mom then. She's the best mom I ever had!

I just read in the Charleston Daily Mail that a mother from West Virginia has been named National Mother of the Year, Jo Blackwood. I am acquainted with this lady...although she may not know it. I used to work at the University of Charleston where she and her husband are on the faculty.

Of course everyone knows that Mother's Day has it's roots in my home state. The above mentioned article provides the details:

"It seems only fitting that a lady from the Mountain State earned top honors on this historic anniversary of the holiday. The idea for Mother's Day in the United States was conceived by a West Virginian, Ann Maria Reeves Jarvis, in the summer of 1865. Her daughter, Anna Jarvis, coordinated the first official celebration in Grafton on May 10, 1908."

I never cease to be amazed that such greatness has come from those WV hills. So, enjoy your Mother's Day weekend. And think of West Virginia. I know I will.

Testing 1, 2, 3...

This is my first attempt to post a video to The Steeple. Here goes...[click]

Calvinists Should Be Cautious

I will never forget a conversation I had with a good friend about 12 years ago. He had just come to a biblical understanding of God's sovereignty and had begun to embrace the doctrines of grace. He had been a Christian for many years and involved in church most of his life. However, h had never heard anyone teach or preach about total depravity, unconditional election or particular redemption. His brother, upon hearing John MacArthur preach on the radio, introduced him to the famous "five points" and my friend was quite angry at first. Not to be outdone he began to read his Bible with great urgency. He soon came to see the truth about man's ruined condition and inability before a holy and sovereign God. He rejoiced in God's amazing grace.

After that initial conversation we would have hundreds of discussions about theology and doctrine. At that time in my young Christian life I already had a clear understanding of Calvinism and accepted it as an accurate representation of God's Word as it relates to man's salvation. I was raised in a church that had long ago taken a stand on the doctrines of grace. But, like many who first come to this theological position, my friend was very adamant and some of his discussions got a bit heated. I find this is often the case with many young Calvinists, if they are not cautious.

When I moved to Louisville to attend Southern Seminary I began to see many things in a new perspective (no, not that 'new perspective'). I grew much more comfortable with my understanding of theology and I was much less interested in "arguing" about it. There were many on the SBTS campus that held a reformed position. And, there were a lot of them who wanted to 'convert' everyone to Calvinism. I have always seen this as a very tenuous activity that should be avoided. Obviously, it is the Holy Spirit that is the best teacher when it comes to the finer points of theology and doctrine.

Kirk Wellum has a great post that speaks to this issue. His words are on point and so timely. Given the recent trend, especially among young believers, it would be wise for all of us to hear these words and proceed with caution.

Crowns Concert

Last night my wife and I attended the Casting Crowns concert here in Louisville. It was great. What I think I appreciate most about the music these guys play is the poignant lyrics. The lead singer pointed out that their songs are not hard to figure out. They say what they mean in a very straight forward and honest way.

This group seeks to honor the Lord and have fun doing it. Both were accomplished. We had fun. It's the first concert we have been to in 2 or 3 years. The whole night really wore out my wife who is still recovering from surgery. But, she was bound and determined to take me. The tickets were part of my birthday present. Originally the concert was scheduled for March but was postponed due to a snow storm.

Here's a verse and the chorus from "East to West" one of my favorite Casting Crowns songs. The idea of this song is based on Ps. 103:12. Good stuff.

I start the day, the war begins, endless reminding of my sin
Time and time again Your truth is drowned out by the storm I'm in
Today I feel like I'm just one mistake away from You leaving me this way

I know You've washed me white, turned my darkness into light
I need Your peace to get me through, to get me through this night
I can't live by what I feel, but by the truth Your word reveals
I'm not holding on to You, but You're holding on to me
You're holding on to me

Jesus, You know just how far the east is from the west
I don't have to see the man I've been come rising up in me again
In the arms of Your mercy I find rest
'cause You know just how far the east is from the west
From one scarred hand to the other
One scarred hand to the other
From one scarred hand to the other

Lock 'Em In

Having problems getting your point across to the folks in your church? Here's a strategy from a few years back that might help:

On this day in 1675 - A Massachusetts law was enacted requiring church doors to be locked during the worship service. (Too many people were leaving before the long sermons were completed.)

Source: Almanac of the Christian Church

Prayer for Our Nation

Today is the National Day of Prayer. It is right and proper for Christians to gather with intentionality in prayer for our nation. We profess that we believe in prayer, that God hears and answers prayer, that He delights in prayer and that prayer is a central aspect in the life of every Christian. We pray for those who are sick, for those who are unconverted, for those who are facing trials and difficulties and for various aspects of our ministries. Certainly we can carve out time to pray for our nation and our national leaders. These leaders need godly wisdom and many of them need Jesus Christ.

While today is specifically set aside for such a prayer focus, I hope that we will pray regularly for those in government and in leadership positions in our country. Although we do not put our faith in any earthly kingdom or government but in the King of Kings, we are called to be salt and light. Moreover, we are commanded to submit to and honor governmental institutions. We don't worship them or love them or revere them, but we should honor them. I can think of no better expression of honor from the lips of a child of God than to pray for our nation and its leaders.

For the glory of God and the praise of his gospel.