7.27.2011

The Morality of Music

There are a few people whom I love and respect that believe with all of their hearts that certain types of modern music, such as rock and rap, are in and of themselves morally wrong.  I'm writing this in order to explain 1) why I believe that all music is glorifying to God and 2) what kind of music we should use in the church.

So, is music inherrently wrong?
1. God created everything that exists, both "visible and invisible".  - Colossians 1:16
2. Nothing else is capable of true creation.  - John 1:3
3. God's creation is meant to glorify Him. - Psalm 19:1
3. All music is part of God's creation.
4. All music glorifies God.

Why does rock and rap seem to go along so well with worldliness?
1. We live in a fallen world, where good things like sex, drugs, and alcohol can be easily twisted and used for things they weren't intended for.
2. It's impossible for any form of music to be performed or written by any person who isn't a sinner.

What kind of music should we use in the church?
1.  As all music was created by God, we should be open to using all music in worship.
2. We should be aware that it's easy for any music in church (from classical to southern gospel to rock) to turn into a performance instead of worship.
3. We should be aware of what causes our brother to fall into sin, and avoid that in public worship.


7.26.2011

Things That Irritate Me About The So-Called "Debt Crisis"

1. There is absolutely nothing preventing Congress from raising the debt ceiling today.  The debates and compromises can happen after that's done.  Congress is playing a needless game of chicken with our economy.

2. The government spending more than it makes is, in the short term, good for the economy.  It's true that raising taxes will slow the economy, but it's just as true that cutting government spending will do the same thing.

3. If we do something about unemployment, government revenues will increase on their own without any taxes being raised.

4.  Congress needs to simply raise the debt ceiling, take steps to create more government jobs in areas like construction that will leave permanent benefits, and create a commission to figure out how we're going to pay off the national debt.

5. I really want there to be a third party focusing on fiscal responsibility through raising taxes and cutting entitlement programs.

7.25.2011

My Five Favorite Albums of 2011 (So Far)

I say "so far" because the year is far from over.  I fully expect Needtobreathe's The Reckoning and Switchfoot's Dark Horses to blow these five out of the water.  MercyMe's coming out with The Worship Sessions, which is only available at Family Christian Stores, and Stellar Kart releases their Disney cover EP, A Whole New World, tomorrow.  I'm really looking forward to all four.

Also here are YouTube links to Needtobreathe's single "Drive All Night" and Switchfoot's "Dark Horses".

That being said, here are my favorite albums of 2011, so far.

5. Third Day - Move
I wasn't a fan of this CD until I saw Third Day in concert.  They can put on a show, and Move rocks.
Best Song: "Follow Me There"

4. Coldplay - Every Teardrop Is A Waterfall EP
It's not technically an album, but these three songs are a fantastic taste of what's coming with their next release.
Best Song: "Every Teardrop Is A Waterfall"

3. Owl City - All Things Bright And Beautiful
Much better produced than Ocean Eyes, and Adam Young finally learned to sing out.
Best track: It's really difficult to choose just one, but I'm going to say "Deer In The Headlights".

2. Parachute - The Way It Was
Best CD for cranking and singing along in your car when you're alone.  Not that I do that....
Best track: "Something to Believe In"

1. Danen Kane - Love Is Waiting
I went to a Lifest, a Christian music festival, and saw quite a few big name Christian artists.  Danen Kane was, musically, the best concert I went to the whole week.
Best track: Love Is Waiting

7.19.2011

The Knowledge of the Holy

I've been doing a study through A.W. Tozer's The Knowledge of the Holy at our local rescue mission.  One thing I've been struck with is that God is always the ultimate possessor of any and all good attributes.  He isn't just really big; he is infinite.  He isn't just loving; love finds its definition in him.  He isn't just holy; he can't stand even the smallest sin.

I realize this might not blow your mind, but right now (12:20 in the morning) it's blowing mine.  I can't even come close to the greatness of this God, but he still loves me.

7.14.2011

Legalism and License

It’s basic Christian nature to go one of two ways on the issue of questionable things. The first holds that certain things are morally wrong because they aren’t necessarily a good idea.  The second recognizes that those same things aren’t morally wrong, but don’t recognize that doing them might not necessarily be a good idea.
This is why Paul slaps us in the face with 1 Corinthians 6:12.
“All things are lawful for me,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful for me,” but I will not be enslaved by anything.
Just because something isn’t inherently wrong doesn’t necessarily make it a good idea, and just because something isn’t a good idea doesn’t make it morally wrong.