Why I Believe…

WhyIBelieveIt forever shaped the world, & impacts every moment of history since (& according to Christian theology, before as well). What could have possibly occurred that had the power to quickly reshape a great many long-held convictions of a people radically opposed to change – the “new” was immediately suspect – to the point which they would all be willing to lay down their lives for this new truth?

Every year I edit & repost this because it IS the message I want my life to speak: Jesus, God with Skin On – the true King, defeating sin & death.  As a former Atheist, I did quite a lot of study before I was convinced that Jesus had not only existed, but that the resurrection was quite honestly the most logical explanation of what could be historically known about Jesus’ death and the origins of the early church. This is that research compiled for quick study…

One more thing: though I don’t go into it in any detail here, if you’ve heard somewhere that the Jesus’ story was based on earlier, pagan mythology, please don’t stop digging! Read THIS ARTICLE LINKED HERE as your next step. Really. For your own sake. PLEASE!

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New, Popular, & Undiscovered Songs: a response

AsAPastorJust a few weeks ago my friend & fellow worship pastor, Chris Vacher, published a thought-provoking blog: “Thoughts on New Songs, Popular Songs, & Undiscovered Songs“, which has also been edited & republished over at TWC. In it he states that we should generally consider using the more popular worship songs because “…the reason that songs become popular and are sung around the world is that there are very talented songwriters who understand the craft of songwriting and have put together these various elements in a way that allows people of every musical skill level to sing as an expression of their worship to Jesus.” Though I have nothing against talented songwriters, I don’t necessarily agree with the first half of the blog.

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KINGDOM: How NOT to be a KISS-UP!

IdentityHave you ever been in class with a “kiss-up” – a “teacher’s pet”? Someone that said whatever he or she had to in order to find favor with the prof? Why do they irk us so? I’ll tell you why: insincerity – knowing that they really don’t care for the professor, but are just working an agenda. “Kissing Up” & “Honor” – though on the outside they may look similar, are really different beasts entirely: one recognizes the King’s imprint, & treats the individually appropriately, & the other simply appropriates flattery in order to use people as a means to an end. I hate seeing people used as a means to an end.

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Look and See

ShannonLive2013A unique special event took place just a few weeks ago – a partnership between local churches spearheaded by Fred McKinnon which resulted in a beautiful night of God-glorifying corporate singing.  Given that Saint Lewis is a multi-church band 3 of our 5 core members were on stage, as well as 2 of our regular guest musicians, and it was at my former church, St. Simons Community Church, so I felt right at home! [Read more…]