ok, the bass guy is pretty cool.

thanks to mr. harper for sharing

John 3:16 addresses a number of “isms.”

The phrase “For God” responds to atheism, which claims there is no God.

The phrase “so loved” responds to fatalism, which asserts God is an impersonal force.

The phrase “the world” responds to nationalism, which says God only loves one group of people.

The phrase “that He gave” responds to materialism, which says it is more blessed to receive than to give.

The phrase “His only begotten Son” responds to Mohammedism, which says God has no Son.

The phrase “that whosoever believes” responds to five-point Calvinism, which says Christ died only for the elect.

The phrase “in Him” responds to pluralism, which says all religions are equal.

The phrase “should not perish” responds to annihilationism, which says there is no Hell.

The phrase “but have everlasting life” responds to Arminianism, which says God only gives life conditionally.

John 3:16 is a simple biblicism which reveals the mind, the heart, and the will of God”

- Jerry Vines
Sermon on John 3:16, Whosoever Will: A Biblical-Theological Critique of 5-Point Calvinism

some of you may not know this, but when you own your own domain and have a blog on it, you will be contacted frequently by PR firms who are looking for stories, discussions or reviews for their clients. not a bad way to get the word out.

long time e-quaintences may remember that a few years ago i took one of these companies up on their offer to read and review an excellent book.

last week, The Media Collective contacted me, seeing if i would be interested in hearing Matt Redman’s new album 10,000 Reasons and reviewing it here.

of course i was.

because, if you’re like me, you’ve been wondering where matt redman has been for like…5 years.

once such a prominent and dominant figure in the worship music industry, i can remember a time when a sunday morning worship set could not be completed without at least one redman chorus. but then, almost without warning, matt redman’s presence seemed to dissipate.

but, as of tomorrow, mr. redman is back on the scene with a new live album.

and, having listened through it a couple of times, i can say that i’m glad to hear him again.

10,000 Reasons opens up with a couple of those great, big, british anthems that we love from worship leaders across the pond.

but, beyond the typical (though excellent) excitement and energy of the opening tracks, we get song after song that remind us of what a blessing redman’s ministry has been to the Church at large for many years.

the album is wonderfully focused and worshipful. unique lyrics paired with equally unique melodies make you want to sing along at the top of your lungs (seriously, try to listen to the tag on Here For You and not sing along!).

10,000 Reasons reminds me of how i felt when i heard Facedown years ago. it’s anointed. it does what it’s meant to do. it puts my thoughts on Jesus and stirs me to worship Him with a new song in my heart.

in the end, something tells me our churches will be singing a lot more redman after tomorrow.

but you’ll only be able to sing along if you go get the album.

so, tomorrow, get on your computer, buy a copy from your favorite store and join in the song.

this review was solicited from the media collective
a free, streaming version of the album was provided for critique

yesterday, just one day shy of 11 weeks pregnant, kelly suffered a miscarriage.

it was a difficult day and a difficult thing to grasp that the little person whose heart we watched beat just a week ago was no longer with us.

though we of course have sorrow, we also feel a great peace and hope in our Lord, as well as a sure confidence that as our little one left this world, he or she was being delivered alive into the presence of Jesus, where they await us together.

once home i felt compelled to read psalm 29. partly because i couldn’t think about what Scripture to read (and it was the 29th) and partly because i felt an urge to read that particular psalm. separately, in a few minutes’ difference, a family member sent us the reference to verse 11 of that very psalm, which had already jumped out at us as we read it:

The Lord will give strength to His people;
The Lord will bless His people with peace.
{ Psalm 29.11 }

it was a wonderful moment of hearing from God and remembering His great love for us. we know that God is good. we know that He loves us and loves our little one more than we ever could.

we’ve been blessed and encouraged by all the kind words and prayer that have been sent on our behalf. so, thank you.

please continue to pray for kelly, as this is not exactly a comfortable process.

///

delirious’ song i’ll see you is about a situation like ours. in the past, we’ve always thought it was very touching, especially after reading the Smith’s recent auto-biographies which include the back story of the song.

but now i don’t suppose i’ll ever hear it again without thinking of our little pensiero, alive and well in the glory of heaven.

we’ll see you when we get there.

I’ll see you when I get there,
Shining like the sun.
I’ll see you when I get there,
Into your arms I’ll run.

I see you when the wind blows,
Running without fear,
Born to rest in your Fathers arms,
Your joy has dried the tears.

I’ll see you when I get there,
When my life’s complete,
Will you take me to Jesus’ feet?
Hand in hand we’ll sing.

We’re gonna sing for you.

Written by Delirious? ©2005 Curious? Music UK

thanks to mr. munoz

I’m always amazed at how poorly I grasp English when I actually read someone who knows how to use it.

I expect to be using the dictionary often in this book.