You
are
probably
familiar
with
the
old
hymn
‘It
Is
Well’.
It
was
written
around
1873
by
Horatio
Spafford
following
a
time
of
great
grief
for
him.
He
had
just
lived
through
two
major
traumas.
The
first
was
the
great
Chicago
fire
of
October
1871,
which
ruined
him
financially
(He
had
been
a
wealthy
businessman)
and
the
second
was
the
death
of
all
four
of
his
children
following
the
collision
of
their
ship
with
another
while
crossing
the
Atlantic.
Spafford’s
wife
‘Anna’
survived
and
sent
him
the
famous
telegram,
‘Saved
alone’.
Several
weeks
later
as
Spafford’s
own
ship
passed
the
spot
where
his
daughters
died,
the
Holy
Spirit
inspired
these
words
of
comfort
and
hope.
Be
sure
to
sing
through
verses
four,
five
and
six.
"IT
IS
WELL
WITH
MY
SOUL"
When
peace
like
a
river,
attendeth
my
way,
When
sorrows
like
sea
billows
roll,
Whatever
my
lot,
Thou
hast
taught
me
to
say,
"It
is
well,
it
is
well,
with
my
soul."
It
is
well
with
my
soul;
It
is
well,
it
is
well
with
my
soul.
Though
Satan
should
buffet,
though
trials
should
come,
Let
this
blest
assurance
control:
That
Christ
has
regarded
my
helpless
estate,
And
hath
shed
His
own
blood
for
my
soul.
My
sin—Oh,
the
bliss
of
this
glorious
thought!—
My
sin,
not
in
part
but
the
whole,
Is
nailed
to
the
cross,
and
I
bear
it
no
more,
Praise
the
Lord,
praise
the
Lord,
O
my
soul!
For
me,
be
it
Christ,
be
it
Christ
hence
to
live:
If
Jordan
above
me
shall
roll,
No
pang
shall
be
mine,
for
in
death
as
in
life,
Thou
wilt
whisper
Thy
peace
to
my
soul.
But
Lord,
'tis
for
Thee,
for
Thy
coming
we
wait,
The
sky,
not
the
grave,
is
our
goal.
Oh,
trump
of
the
angel!
Oh,
voice
of
the
Lord!
Blessed
hope,
blessed
rest
of
my
soul.
And
Lord,
haste
the
day
when
my
faith
shall
be
sight,
The
clouds
be
rolled
back
as
a
scroll.
The
trump
shall
resound,
and
the
Lord
shall
descend;
Even
so,
it
is
well
with
my
soul.
THURSDAY
PRAYER
PROMPTS:
1. Pray
for
the
safety
and
health
of
our
new
Worship
Leader
and
his
family
as
they
move
to
NC.
2. Pray
for
a
good
time
of
transition
as
the
new
Worship
Leader
joins
the
Apex
Baptist
Worship
team.
3. Pray
for
the
development
of
and
rehearsal
time
for
the
Christmas
Production.
4. Pray
for
the
continued
development
and
maturity
of
the
worship
team:
Instrumentalists,
Singers,
Tech
personnel.
5. Pray
the
leadership
will
continue
to
follow
the
Lords
leadership
in
the
selection
and
presentation
of
music
for
worship
each
week.
6. Pray
that
the
Apex
Baptist
congregation
will
be
freed
to
worship
in
Spirit
and
in
Truth
each
time
they
gather
to
praise
the
Lord.
Showing posts with label music. Show all posts
Showing posts with label music. Show all posts
Thursday, August 22, 2013
Thursday, August 9, 2012
Auditions for Worship Ministry!
On Wednesday evening, August 22, beginning at 6:30 PM in the Apex Baptist Sanctuary, the Worship Ministry will be holding auditions for both vocalists and instrumentalists. Please contact Dottie Stam if you would like to participate.
Why auditions? Because we want to find some guys and gals who love Jesus and can play like this and we know you're out there!
Why auditions? Because we want to find some guys and gals who love Jesus and can play like this and we know you're out there!
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
How Firm A Foundation
Nathan Stam
Children/Communications Pastor
I love the words from this 18th century hymn based out of Isaiah 43:1-7. The passage is filled with powerful metaphors that point to God's promise of faithfulness in the middle of sorrows and grief. (The author of this hymn is unknown)
How firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord,
Is laid for your faith in his excellent Word! . . .
"Fear not, I am with thee, O be not dismayed;
I, I am thy God, and will still give thee aid; . . .
When through the deep waters I call thee to go,
The rivers of woe shall not thee overflow;
For I will be with thee thy troubles to bless,
And sanctify to thee thy deepest distress.
When through fiery trials thy pathway shall lie,
My grace all sufficient shall be thy supply;
The flame shall not hurt thee; I only design
Thy dross to consume and thy gold to refine. . . .
I will not, I will not desert to his foes;
That soul, though all hell should endeavor to shake,
I'll never, no, never, no, never forsake."
Children/Communications Pastor
I love the words from this 18th century hymn based out of Isaiah 43:1-7. The passage is filled with powerful metaphors that point to God's promise of faithfulness in the middle of sorrows and grief. (The author of this hymn is unknown)
How firm a foundation, ye saints of the Lord,
Is laid for your faith in his excellent Word! . . .
"Fear not, I am with thee, O be not dismayed;
I, I am thy God, and will still give thee aid; . . .
When through the deep waters I call thee to go,
The rivers of woe shall not thee overflow;
For I will be with thee thy troubles to bless,
And sanctify to thee thy deepest distress.
When through fiery trials thy pathway shall lie,
My grace all sufficient shall be thy supply;
The flame shall not hurt thee; I only design
Thy dross to consume and thy gold to refine. . . .
I will not, I will not desert to his foes;
That soul, though all hell should endeavor to shake,
I'll never, no, never, no, never forsake."
Thursday, December 22, 2011
This is War
This is War
Dustin Kensrue
This is war like you ain't seen.
This winter's long, it's cold and mean.
With hangdog hearts we stood condemned,
But the tide turns now at Bethlehem.
This is war and born tonight,
The Word as flesh, the Lord of Light,
The Son of God, the low-born king;
Who demons fear, of whom angels sing.
This is war on sin and death;
The dark will take it's final breath.
It shakes the earth, confounds all plans;
The mystery of God as man.
(Dustin is the lead singer of Thrice. You can listen to the song below.)
Dustin Kensrue
This is war like you ain't seen.
This winter's long, it's cold and mean.
With hangdog hearts we stood condemned,
But the tide turns now at Bethlehem.
This is war and born tonight,
The Word as flesh, the Lord of Light,
The Son of God, the low-born king;
Who demons fear, of whom angels sing.
This is war on sin and death;
The dark will take it's final breath.
It shakes the earth, confounds all plans;
The mystery of God as man.
(Dustin is the lead singer of Thrice. You can listen to the song below.)
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Victor Hugo
Nathan Stam
Children/Communications Pastor
From a devotion I shared at the AHS Christmas Musical last week:
This time of year frequently combines two things that I really love: Christmas + music = Christmas musicals. The two are a wonderful combination!
I recently came across a quote from Victor Hugo concerning music. Read what he had to say:
"Music expresses that which cannot be said and on which it is impossible to be silent."
It's the truth. Music seems like it comes from somewhere deep within us and really connects on an emotional level. I've met people who like lots of different styles of music, but I've never met someone who didn't care for it at all! Music is a universal language.
You're probably familiar with this, but Victor Hugo is also the author of Les Miserables. Les Mis is the story of a man named Jean Valjean and was written in 1862. It's a powerful novel and quite complex, but I wanted to share one particular scene with you:
Jean Valjean has been in prison for nineteen years for a terrible crime—he stole a loaf of bread. After he has been finally released as a parolee, he comes to a Bishop’s house who takes him in for the night. Valjean repays the Bishop’s generosity by promptly stealing the Bishop’s silverware and silver plates and taking off in the darkness.
He’s caught almost immediately by the police and brought back to the Bishop’s home. But when he arrives something strange happens:
The Bishop shocks the reader when, instead of prosecuting Valjean, he insists to the police that he himself gave Valjean the silver. And then the Bishop freely offers Valjean his silver candlesticks too. It's an extraordinary moment of grace. "Valjean is made an honest man through another man’s sacrifice." Valjean doesn't deserve it in any shape or form, but the Bishop's action towards this hardened criminal embodies both mercy and grace. (And Valjean's life is changed because of it.)
Mercy came when Valjean was not given the punishment he deserved for theft, and grace came when he was given something he didn’t deserve: the candlesticks and the rest of the silver that he stole.
Christmas tells us another story, THE STORY of mercy and grace. It tells us of how God himself came to the world—a world full of death and darkness that had rebelled against him—God came and was born as a baby so that he could rescue our world from death.
Christmas is a story of mercy because Jesus, the God-man, did not come to condemn the world because of our rebellion, but to save the world through his death on the cross and his resurrection three days later. He is God’s great rescue plan.
Christmas is a story of grace because we’re given something we don’t deserve: new life and a new beginning. Freedom. Hope. Peace with God. And it’s all made possible through a baby that was born on Christmas day that would one day grow up and die on a cross to take our place—to those who believe in the name of Jesus.
Children/Communications Pastor
From a devotion I shared at the AHS Christmas Musical last week:
This time of year frequently combines two things that I really love: Christmas + music = Christmas musicals. The two are a wonderful combination!
I recently came across a quote from Victor Hugo concerning music. Read what he had to say:
"Music expresses that which cannot be said and on which it is impossible to be silent."
It's the truth. Music seems like it comes from somewhere deep within us and really connects on an emotional level. I've met people who like lots of different styles of music, but I've never met someone who didn't care for it at all! Music is a universal language.
You're probably familiar with this, but Victor Hugo is also the author of Les Miserables. Les Mis is the story of a man named Jean Valjean and was written in 1862. It's a powerful novel and quite complex, but I wanted to share one particular scene with you:
Jean Valjean has been in prison for nineteen years for a terrible crime—he stole a loaf of bread. After he has been finally released as a parolee, he comes to a Bishop’s house who takes him in for the night. Valjean repays the Bishop’s generosity by promptly stealing the Bishop’s silverware and silver plates and taking off in the darkness.
He’s caught almost immediately by the police and brought back to the Bishop’s home. But when he arrives something strange happens:
The Bishop shocks the reader when, instead of prosecuting Valjean, he insists to the police that he himself gave Valjean the silver. And then the Bishop freely offers Valjean his silver candlesticks too. It's an extraordinary moment of grace. "Valjean is made an honest man through another man’s sacrifice." Valjean doesn't deserve it in any shape or form, but the Bishop's action towards this hardened criminal embodies both mercy and grace. (And Valjean's life is changed because of it.)
Mercy came when Valjean was not given the punishment he deserved for theft, and grace came when he was given something he didn’t deserve: the candlesticks and the rest of the silver that he stole.
Christmas tells us another story, THE STORY of mercy and grace. It tells us of how God himself came to the world—a world full of death and darkness that had rebelled against him—God came and was born as a baby so that he could rescue our world from death.
Christmas is a story of mercy because Jesus, the God-man, did not come to condemn the world because of our rebellion, but to save the world through his death on the cross and his resurrection three days later. He is God’s great rescue plan.
Christmas is a story of grace because we’re given something we don’t deserve: new life and a new beginning. Freedom. Hope. Peace with God. And it’s all made possible through a baby that was born on Christmas day that would one day grow up and die on a cross to take our place—to those who believe in the name of Jesus.
Friday, December 16, 2011
God With Us
I ran across this video and loved it. What a great Christmas song from Folk Angel (by the way, I highly recommend their newest Christmas album)! You can check out the lyrics in full right here.
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Thursday, December 8, 2011
A True Christmas
Dottie Stam
Worship Leader
This weekend, our Adult Worship Choir will be presenting "A True Christmas." It's a wonderful story that shares the true meaning of Christmas: our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
We'll offer five shows, all of them absolutely FREE. There will be an evening show beginning at 7:30 on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. We also will be presenting two matinees on Saturday and Sunday, both at 3:00. Doors open an hour before the performances.
We hope that you can make it, and that more importantly you'll bring a neighbor or friend who doesn't know what Jesus did for them on the cross!
Below is a short synopsis of the musical. Enjoy!
The story takes place in a small North Carolina town in the year 1872. Twelve year old Nan and her best friend Johnny are headed up to Herbert Morgan’s new barn. A fire has destroyed his old barn, so the men of the town are building Herbert a new dairy barn. A time of celebration at the barn raising is followed by the local school teacher, Rose, using the barn as a class room. When Christmas eve arrives, the local preacher, Sam Moore, also decides the barn would be a good place to hold the evening service. As the service ends, word comes that the Womack River, running through the center of town, has overflowed its banks and all the homes are soon to be flooded. The new barn proves to be a Godsend for the town as they are all forced to take refuge there, the only structure built on high ground. Meanwhile, Sam finds out Rose’s secret.
Later as the town is gathered inside, a stranger arrives proving to be the estranged brother of Nan’s father, Thomas. This brother, Sterling, had chosen to fight for the north while the youngest brother, Henry, had fought for the south and had been killed in battle. The brothers' initial meeting does not go well and there seems to be no hope for reconciliation.
As everyone anxiously waits for word on the flood, Johnny decides to go climb an old tree to be able to see the entire town. The tree is wet and Nan follows, warning Johnny about the tree. Sterling sees the children leave for the tree and follows. When the local Representative, Jubal, warns everyone that the tree is about to fall, other towns folk leave to save the children. The tree does fall and while Nan is saved by her Uncle Sterling, Johnny is brought in with a head injury. In the panic that follows, Bess and Herbert Morgan are faced with the dilemma of where to find a Doctor. Rose had once studied medicine but has mysteriously returned home to teach school. Bess persuades Rose to help Johnny and she reluctantly reveals the she is a certified Doctor and performs the needed surgery on Johnny. The surgery is successful and Thomas and Sterling reconcile. The town rejoices and prepares to celebrate Christmas by reading the Christmas story.
Another stranger arrives and reveals that he represents a church from a neighboring county that has offered to help the town. Everyone celebrates over this offer of help. Finally Nan and Johnny figure out what is really a True Christmas.
Worship Leader
This weekend, our Adult Worship Choir will be presenting "A True Christmas." It's a wonderful story that shares the true meaning of Christmas: our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
We'll offer five shows, all of them absolutely FREE. There will be an evening show beginning at 7:30 on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. We also will be presenting two matinees on Saturday and Sunday, both at 3:00. Doors open an hour before the performances.
We hope that you can make it, and that more importantly you'll bring a neighbor or friend who doesn't know what Jesus did for them on the cross!
Below is a short synopsis of the musical. Enjoy!
The story takes place in a small North Carolina town in the year 1872. Twelve year old Nan and her best friend Johnny are headed up to Herbert Morgan’s new barn. A fire has destroyed his old barn, so the men of the town are building Herbert a new dairy barn. A time of celebration at the barn raising is followed by the local school teacher, Rose, using the barn as a class room. When Christmas eve arrives, the local preacher, Sam Moore, also decides the barn would be a good place to hold the evening service. As the service ends, word comes that the Womack River, running through the center of town, has overflowed its banks and all the homes are soon to be flooded. The new barn proves to be a Godsend for the town as they are all forced to take refuge there, the only structure built on high ground. Meanwhile, Sam finds out Rose’s secret.
Later as the town is gathered inside, a stranger arrives proving to be the estranged brother of Nan’s father, Thomas. This brother, Sterling, had chosen to fight for the north while the youngest brother, Henry, had fought for the south and had been killed in battle. The brothers' initial meeting does not go well and there seems to be no hope for reconciliation.
As everyone anxiously waits for word on the flood, Johnny decides to go climb an old tree to be able to see the entire town. The tree is wet and Nan follows, warning Johnny about the tree. Sterling sees the children leave for the tree and follows. When the local Representative, Jubal, warns everyone that the tree is about to fall, other towns folk leave to save the children. The tree does fall and while Nan is saved by her Uncle Sterling, Johnny is brought in with a head injury. In the panic that follows, Bess and Herbert Morgan are faced with the dilemma of where to find a Doctor. Rose had once studied medicine but has mysteriously returned home to teach school. Bess persuades Rose to help Johnny and she reluctantly reveals the she is a certified Doctor and performs the needed surgery on Johnny. The surgery is successful and Thomas and Sterling reconcile. The town rejoices and prepares to celebrate Christmas by reading the Christmas story.
Another stranger arrives and reveals that he represents a church from a neighboring county that has offered to help the town. Everyone celebrates over this offer of help. Finally Nan and Johnny figure out what is really a True Christmas.
Monday, October 17, 2011
We Arise
Nathan Stam
Children/Communications Pastor
If you missed worship services this past week we had a great time. The kids led us in worship and were fantastic. The worship band and Jesse also shared a song with us called "We Arise." I wanted to share the lyrics with you because they are just plain powerful. The song is by a group called Daylight Worship and you can actually download their album for free on Noisetrade (just leave a tip if you like it!). Here are the lyrics:
Sleeping’s for the night we have seen the sun rise over us
The King has come
Awaken to the day we have had His glory revealed to us
Love has won
We arise for our light has come and the glory of God has risen on us
We arise, Jesus is alive and the power of Christ lifts us up
Tear off all that weighs down
We are called to run now free from sin
Alive again
Children of the light flee the things of darkness and follow Christ
Turn and shine
We arise for our light has come to us
For our God has rescued He has rescued us
We arise Jesus is alive in us
Through His death we’ve overcome We have overcome
For Your blood was poured out
And Your life was given
Through death You conquered
You are the word that was spoken
Children/Communications Pastor
If you missed worship services this past week we had a great time. The kids led us in worship and were fantastic. The worship band and Jesse also shared a song with us called "We Arise." I wanted to share the lyrics with you because they are just plain powerful. The song is by a group called Daylight Worship and you can actually download their album for free on Noisetrade (just leave a tip if you like it!). Here are the lyrics:
Sleeping’s for the night we have seen the sun rise over us
The King has come
Awaken to the day we have had His glory revealed to us
Love has won
We arise for our light has come and the glory of God has risen on us
We arise, Jesus is alive and the power of Christ lifts us up
Tear off all that weighs down
We are called to run now free from sin
Alive again
Children of the light flee the things of darkness and follow Christ
Turn and shine
We arise for our light has come to us
For our God has rescued He has rescued us
We arise Jesus is alive in us
Through His death we’ve overcome We have overcome
For Your blood was poured out
And Your life was given
Through death You conquered
You are the word that was spoken
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
ABC Vision Night
Come gather with our whole church family for our 2011 ABC Vision Night this Sunday, September 25 from 6:00-8:00 PM in the ABC Fellowship Hall.
At Vision Night, we'll talk and pray about how God is leading and equipping us to move forward. We'll hear about the vision He's given us thus far, talk about how we're currently responding to it, and look forward to what God has in store for us this next year.
There will be some wonderful music, and Phil will be giving his final charge to our local body as he prepares for the next adventure in his life! We hope you can come hear him!
We'll also have a chance to vote on our 2011-2012 budget and new Bylaws and Constitution. Come join us as we gather as a church around our mission to celebrate, pray and worship God for what he's done. You don't want to miss it!
We'll begin with some light refreshments at 6:00 PM and childcare will be provided for Birth through 4th Grade.
See you on Sunday in the Fellowship Hall at 6:00!
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
A Slugs and Bugs Christmas Concert
Nathan Stam
Children/Communications Pastor
We are excited to announce a special Christmas concert for children of all ages and their families coming December 4. Slugs and Bugs is the brainchild of Nashville recording artists Randall Goodgame and Andrew Peterson, and they currently have two CDs released, the most recent being A Slugs and Bugs Christmas (although I do believe they're working on a new album this Fall).
It will be tons of fun--for you and your kids!--and it is absolutely free. No tickets. The concert will begin at 6:00 PM in the ABC Sanctuary so come early to get a good seat and mark your calendars! Please, feel free to invite your unchurched neighbors and friends to come join us--they will have a blast, and it is a great opportunity to plant some Gospel seeds in their lives.
Go to slugsandbugs.com for more info, or shoot me an email, and check out this short promo video, courtesy of Slugs and Bugs:
Children/Communications Pastor
We are excited to announce a special Christmas concert for children of all ages and their families coming December 4. Slugs and Bugs is the brainchild of Nashville recording artists Randall Goodgame and Andrew Peterson, and they currently have two CDs released, the most recent being A Slugs and Bugs Christmas (although I do believe they're working on a new album this Fall).
It will be tons of fun--for you and your kids!--and it is absolutely free. No tickets. The concert will begin at 6:00 PM in the ABC Sanctuary so come early to get a good seat and mark your calendars! Please, feel free to invite your unchurched neighbors and friends to come join us--they will have a blast, and it is a great opportunity to plant some Gospel seeds in their lives.
Go to slugsandbugs.com for more info, or shoot me an email, and check out this short promo video, courtesy of Slugs and Bugs:
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
The Resistance
Nathan Stam
Children/Communications Pastor
So . . . the resistance. I was recently introduced to the music of Josh Garrels (you can get his amazing CD for free by visiting his website, by the way!) and he has a song entitled "The Resistance." Here are some of the lyrics:
"Every mortal breath is meant to bring forth fire;
but only when when the fear of death gets consumed
On the funeral pier.
So let the flames rise higher
Let every man be considered a liar
If he doubts the goodness and faithfulness of God."
Reminds me a little of Hebrews 2:14-15!
Let's breathe fire. Resist complacency and laziness in our walk with God. Death has nothing on us because of Christ. Hold fast like an anchor in the storm.
I found the same themes of resistance and resurrection in a book I read recently, entitled "The Island of the World" by Michael O'Brien (definitely a must read!). It is the story of Josip Lasta and chronicles his sufferings in the former Yugoslavia. He knows first hand what resistance is like, particularly under the Communist Party, and as his life and faith fall apart, you can just feel the power of the Gospel and of forgiveness pulsing in his heart, aching to break out, until resurrection eventually bursts through every pore and his life is changed forever--despite the injustice and heartache he's experienced in his life.
How are you living out the resistance? As a co-heir with Christ you are free from the slavery of death. You are empowered by the Holy Spirit and resurrection flows in your very blood. Are you breathing out fire in a world that is lost in darkness? Join the resistance and be a part of the movement of God.
Children/Communications Pastor
So . . . the resistance. I was recently introduced to the music of Josh Garrels (you can get his amazing CD for free by visiting his website, by the way!) and he has a song entitled "The Resistance." Here are some of the lyrics:
"Every mortal breath is meant to bring forth fire;
but only when when the fear of death gets consumed
On the funeral pier.
So let the flames rise higher
Let every man be considered a liar
If he doubts the goodness and faithfulness of God."
Reminds me a little of Hebrews 2:14-15!
Let's breathe fire. Resist complacency and laziness in our walk with God. Death has nothing on us because of Christ. Hold fast like an anchor in the storm.
I found the same themes of resistance and resurrection in a book I read recently, entitled "The Island of the World" by Michael O'Brien (definitely a must read!). It is the story of Josip Lasta and chronicles his sufferings in the former Yugoslavia. He knows first hand what resistance is like, particularly under the Communist Party, and as his life and faith fall apart, you can just feel the power of the Gospel and of forgiveness pulsing in his heart, aching to break out, until resurrection eventually bursts through every pore and his life is changed forever--despite the injustice and heartache he's experienced in his life.
How are you living out the resistance? As a co-heir with Christ you are free from the slavery of death. You are empowered by the Holy Spirit and resurrection flows in your very blood. Are you breathing out fire in a world that is lost in darkness? Join the resistance and be a part of the movement of God.
Thursday, July 14, 2011
10,000 Reasons
Nathan Stam
Children/Communications Pastor
"For all Your goodness I will keep on singing;
10,000 reasons for my heart to find."
Definitely check out Matt Redman's new album "10,000 Reasons." We should never be short of reasons to worship our Creator and Savior and these are some great songs to help express what God has done in your life. "Never Once" is probably one of my favorite songs. You can view a live performance below:
Children/Communications Pastor
"For all Your goodness I will keep on singing;
10,000 reasons for my heart to find."
Definitely check out Matt Redman's new album "10,000 Reasons." We should never be short of reasons to worship our Creator and Savior and these are some great songs to help express what God has done in your life. "Never Once" is probably one of my favorite songs. You can view a live performance below:
Friday, February 4, 2011
Music Recommendations!
Nathan Stam
Children/Communications Pastor
Now that 2011 has started with a bang I thought I'd give you a few CDs that I would most definitely recommend* to you for this new year! I'll just list them out (in no particular order) and add a few comments about genre, etc.
Children/Communications Pastor
Now that 2011 has started with a bang I thought I'd give you a few CDs that I would most definitely recommend* to you for this new year! I'll just list them out (in no particular order) and add a few comments about genre, etc.
- Andrew Peterson: "Counting Stars" (singer/songwriter and very mellow guitar based songs)
- Charmaine: "Love Reality" (if you're a Mom of a teenage daughter you really need to buy her this CD!)
- Ivoryline: "Vessels" (some good rock n' roll with great lyrics!)
- Amberlin: "Dark is the Way, Light is the Place" (another rock record)
- Andrew Belle: "The Ladder" (singer/songwriter from Chicago; just stumbled across this guy and he's great!)
- Deas Vail: "Birds and Cages" (piano based pop/rock)
- Sleeping At Last: "Yearbook" (very mellow with great lyrics! Their Yearbook project is very cool)
- Lecrae: "Rehab" (hip/hop album of the year!)
- Brooke Fraser: "Flags" (piano based singer/songwriter; Brooke also sings for Hillsong United)
- Fair: "Disappearing World"(alternative rock; I love these guys!)
- Gungor: "Beautiful Things" (a great worship record! You definitely need to get this one!)
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
I Run This Universe!
Nathan Stam
Children/Communications Pastor
Recently, in our chronological Bible reading plan, we've been reading through the Book of Job. Just the other day I saw a video that totally brought to mind these verses where God is speaking to Job in Chapter 41:
Or can you pull in the sea beast, Leviathan, with a fly rod and stuff him in your creel?
Can you lasso him with a rope,
or snag him with an anchor?
Will he beg you over and over for mercy,
or flatter you with flowery speech?
Will he apply for a job with you
to run errands and serve you the rest of your life?
Will you play with him as if he were a pet goldfish?
Will you make him the mascot of the neighborhood children?
Will you put him on display in the market
and have shoppers haggle over the price?
Could you shoot him full of arrows like a pin cushion,
or drive harpoons into his huge head?
If you so much as lay a hand on him,
you won't live to tell the story.
What hope would you have with such a creature?
Why, one look at him would do you in!
If you can't hold your own against his glowering visage,
how, then, do you expect to stand up to me?
Who could confront me and get by with it?
I'm in charge of all this--I run this universe!
Here's the video if you haven't already seen it. Beautiful. Stunning. (Watch it in high-res if you can)
Children/Communications Pastor
Recently, in our chronological Bible reading plan, we've been reading through the Book of Job. Just the other day I saw a video that totally brought to mind these verses where God is speaking to Job in Chapter 41:
Or can you pull in the sea beast, Leviathan, with a fly rod and stuff him in your creel?
Can you lasso him with a rope,
or snag him with an anchor?
Will he beg you over and over for mercy,
or flatter you with flowery speech?
Will he apply for a job with you
to run errands and serve you the rest of your life?
Will you play with him as if he were a pet goldfish?
Will you make him the mascot of the neighborhood children?
Will you put him on display in the market
and have shoppers haggle over the price?
Could you shoot him full of arrows like a pin cushion,
or drive harpoons into his huge head?
If you so much as lay a hand on him,
you won't live to tell the story.
What hope would you have with such a creature?
Why, one look at him would do you in!
If you can't hold your own against his glowering visage,
how, then, do you expect to stand up to me?
Who could confront me and get by with it?
I'm in charge of all this--I run this universe!
Here's the video if you haven't already seen it. Beautiful. Stunning. (Watch it in high-res if you can)
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
But What Does It Mean?
Nathan Stam
Children/Communications Pastor
It always frustrates me when I wonder what a lyric to a particular song means and I try to search out the answer from the artist, generally somewhere on the internet. The typical answer is something like this: "It means whatever you want it to mean," or "I don't like to answer that question because I don't want to limit the song to a certain meaning. I want people to be able to interpret it however they like." This suggests that the artist would like their lyrics to speak to everyone and that the meaning changes based on the listener and their particular needs.
But that drives me crazy! I don't care what I think a lyric means, or that it means something different to everyone, I want to know what the musician intended. What was the context for the song? Why did they write it? There was obviously a reason!
(That's why I appreciate Sleeping at Last. They frequently write on where lyrics and ideas for their songs are born, and I am thankful! For example, the line "hold your breath and count to 28" isn't just random and means whatever I want it to mean as a listener. The line is referencing an elevator ride to the 28th floor that emphasizes how uncomfortable we are when we get on elevators with strangers and there is that awkward silence as we count down the floors till we get off.)
Taking this one step further the same principle applies to the Bible. Have you ever been in a Bible Study where you have read a passage and then gone around the circle sharing what the passage means to you? We have to be careful here because Scripture doesn't mean whatever we want it to mean, or whatever we're feeling at the time, as if it was written in order to meet our felt-needs.
The question we should be asking is what did the author of a particular passage, divinely inspired by the Holy Spirit, intend for his words to mean? There are a lot of factors involved in that discussion, but that is what we're after--what is the author's intention in his original context? With that being said, while there is one interpretation, there are many applications, and that's where we can do our best to apply the meaning of the text to our lives in 21st century America. But those applications should always flow naturally from the meaning of the text.
Children/Communications Pastor
It always frustrates me when I wonder what a lyric to a particular song means and I try to search out the answer from the artist, generally somewhere on the internet. The typical answer is something like this: "It means whatever you want it to mean," or "I don't like to answer that question because I don't want to limit the song to a certain meaning. I want people to be able to interpret it however they like." This suggests that the artist would like their lyrics to speak to everyone and that the meaning changes based on the listener and their particular needs.
But that drives me crazy! I don't care what I think a lyric means, or that it means something different to everyone, I want to know what the musician intended. What was the context for the song? Why did they write it? There was obviously a reason!
(That's why I appreciate Sleeping at Last. They frequently write on where lyrics and ideas for their songs are born, and I am thankful! For example, the line "hold your breath and count to 28" isn't just random and means whatever I want it to mean as a listener. The line is referencing an elevator ride to the 28th floor that emphasizes how uncomfortable we are when we get on elevators with strangers and there is that awkward silence as we count down the floors till we get off.)
Taking this one step further the same principle applies to the Bible. Have you ever been in a Bible Study where you have read a passage and then gone around the circle sharing what the passage means to you? We have to be careful here because Scripture doesn't mean whatever we want it to mean, or whatever we're feeling at the time, as if it was written in order to meet our felt-needs.
The question we should be asking is what did the author of a particular passage, divinely inspired by the Holy Spirit, intend for his words to mean? There are a lot of factors involved in that discussion, but that is what we're after--what is the author's intention in his original context? With that being said, while there is one interpretation, there are many applications, and that's where we can do our best to apply the meaning of the text to our lives in 21st century America. But those applications should always flow naturally from the meaning of the text.
Thursday, December 30, 2010
New Years and the Gift of Gab
Nathan Stam
Children/Communications Pastor
I'm making a New Year's Resolution. And it has to do with a gift that I was born with (I hope that doesn't sound too arrogant!). You might have heard of this particular gift: it's known as the gift of gab.
This gift manifested itself early. As a child, I could talk my way out of anything. There was once an incident in middle school where I ate some pop tarts that were not mine and somehow talked my way out of what would have been swift and just punishment. My mouth would run at 100 mph as I filibustered and did my best to deflect. I know I must have driven my parents completely mad, and it's probably why, even now, they still look at me and wonder how in the world a beautiful girl married me and I have four kids (technically, the fourth is still being fearfully and wonderfully knitted together!).
I remember in college, going to different spiritual retreats, where I was contemplating my future, and being asked, "What kind of gifts do you have?" or "How will the Lord use your gifts in His Kingdom?" All I could think of was that I had the gift of gab and that was about it.
Now, as I've grown I've matured in my thinking and know that God has blessed me in so many ways. He's allowed me to have experiences that have shaped my life and He's equipped me every step of the journey so far. So, I've been thinking lately, "What kind of legacy do I want to leave for my kids? What do I want them to remember about me?"
I definitely don't want to be remembered as a man who had the gift of gab! That would be depressing. Instead, my New Year's Resolution is to be known as a man who followed Christ radically. What if my kids remembered me as a Dad who followed Jesus with all of his heart, no matter how difficult! That would be awesome! So, how do I get there? Practially speaking, I love David Platt's Radical one year challenge (you can read more about it in his book, Radical):
Bonus New Year's Blog Feature: Here's a great song from Charlie Hall on the New Year!
Children/Communications Pastor
I'm making a New Year's Resolution. And it has to do with a gift that I was born with (I hope that doesn't sound too arrogant!). You might have heard of this particular gift: it's known as the gift of gab.
This gift manifested itself early. As a child, I could talk my way out of anything. There was once an incident in middle school where I ate some pop tarts that were not mine and somehow talked my way out of what would have been swift and just punishment. My mouth would run at 100 mph as I filibustered and did my best to deflect. I know I must have driven my parents completely mad, and it's probably why, even now, they still look at me and wonder how in the world a beautiful girl married me and I have four kids (technically, the fourth is still being fearfully and wonderfully knitted together!).
I remember in college, going to different spiritual retreats, where I was contemplating my future, and being asked, "What kind of gifts do you have?" or "How will the Lord use your gifts in His Kingdom?" All I could think of was that I had the gift of gab and that was about it.
Now, as I've grown I've matured in my thinking and know that God has blessed me in so many ways. He's allowed me to have experiences that have shaped my life and He's equipped me every step of the journey so far. So, I've been thinking lately, "What kind of legacy do I want to leave for my kids? What do I want them to remember about me?"
I definitely don't want to be remembered as a man who had the gift of gab! That would be depressing. Instead, my New Year's Resolution is to be known as a man who followed Christ radically. What if my kids remembered me as a Dad who followed Jesus with all of his heart, no matter how difficult! That would be awesome! So, how do I get there? Practially speaking, I love David Platt's Radical one year challenge (you can read more about it in his book, Radical):
- Pray for the entire world during one year.
- Read through the entire Word in one year.
- Sacrifice my money for a specific purpose.
- Give my time in another context.
- Commit my life to a multiplying community.
Bonus New Year's Blog Feature: Here's a great song from Charlie Hall on the New Year!
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Future of Forestry - O Holy Night
This is my favorite version of the Christmas classic. Check it out!
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Snow
Nathan Stam
Children/Communications Pastor
Here's a video of a song called "Snow" by Sleeping at Last. It's a great Christmas song, particularly if you love the movie, "It's A Wonderful Life." It has a lot of allusions and nods to the movie including the line, "Like the petals in our pockets may we remember who we are." (Speaking of Snow, will we have a white Christmas? I do not remember one from NC in my entire life. We've had rain and we've had 70 degree days, but no snow. Could this be the year?) Enjoy:
Children/Communications Pastor
Here's a video of a song called "Snow" by Sleeping at Last. It's a great Christmas song, particularly if you love the movie, "It's A Wonderful Life." It has a lot of allusions and nods to the movie including the line, "Like the petals in our pockets may we remember who we are." (Speaking of Snow, will we have a white Christmas? I do not remember one from NC in my entire life. We've had rain and we've had 70 degree days, but no snow. Could this be the year?) Enjoy:
Monday, September 13, 2010
Songs From Locked Up
Nathan Stam
Children/Communications Pastor
This past weekend we had our Fall Retreat for the youth: Locked Up (you can see some of the photos by clicking here). Some of you asked about the music so I've listed below the songs we did and where you can find them on iTunes:
Children/Communications Pastor
This past weekend we had our Fall Retreat for the youth: Locked Up (you can see some of the photos by clicking here). Some of you asked about the music so I've listed below the songs we did and where you can find them on iTunes:
- Stay Beside Me by Future of Forestry (they also have 3 new EPs called Travel that are pretty good)
- How Great Is Your Faithfulness by Matt Redman
- Came to the Rescue by Hillsong United
- Death in His Grave by John Mark McMillan
- Carbon Ribs by John Mark McMillan
- All That Really Matters by Matt Redman
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