Burning Books

Have you heard about the pastor in Florida who's promoting the 'Burn a Koran Day' this week? The only book-burning I am aware of in the New Testament happened in Acts 19. It was actually the owners of the books who did the burning, not someone wanting to burn books on their behalf. When we effectively introduce people to Christ who have been caught up in false religions, they will dispose of the trappings of their former life as the Holy Spirit leads them. Until that happens, I doubt burning the books they believe in will be that effective in leading them to Christ. 

Interestingly enough, Paul appealed to the people in Athens sense of religion even though they worshiped pagan gods. Instead of pulling down their idols or burning their religious books, he made the point that despite their religious fervor, God was still unknown to them. However they could know Him if they would truly seek after Him. 

I'm no fan of the Koran - It is a misleading religious book that many interpret in ways that are dangerous and harmful. Islam is responsible for leading millions into an eternity separated from God. However, the way to combat the effects of a false religion is not to pile up copies of the Koran and burn them. If we just take the time to point out the things missing in a false religion like Islam and then show the Muslim that what is missing in his religion can only really be found in Christ, he will be much more likely to receive Jesus as his savior. Then he can do some book-burning of his own! 

My friend, the Psalmist

The Old Testament book of Psalms is basically a praise manual. If it weren't for these psalms or songs we wouldn't even know how to approach God in worship. It's these musical compositions that inform us to come before God with singing, clapping, shouting, dancing - praising God with musical instruments and with our hands lifted high.

If there were no psalmists, there would be no psalms. These songs were written through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit by early songwriters like King David. We still have psalmists today. One of the most prolific psalmist I know is my friend Kari Campbell. Every week here at Crossroads Church we use musical compositions the Holy Spirit has inspired her to write to embrace and celebrate our God in song.

We felt like we needed to capture that celebration on CD and DVD and God willing - Wednesday, September 15 that's what we'll be doing. Our new Crossroads Church live praise and worship recording featuring Kari Campbell will be awesome! Don't miss it!

Music Review - No Far Away by Chris August

When I was a youth pastor, we had a monthly magazine for students and one of the things it included was a music review. I used to enjoy writing those reviews, so I thought it might be an interesting element to add to my blog.

I just recently picked up a copy of the debut project by Chris August called No Far Away. His first radio release Starry Night is tearing up the CCM charts and I really like it, so I thought I'd give the rest of the project a listen. I am SO glad I did!

Produced by veteran music producer Ed Cash (Leeland, Matthew West, Bethany Dillon), this debut release has more of the feel of something offered by a seasoned singer/songwriter than a new artist. The songs are poetic and crafted in an interesting way that presents a clear message without sounding cliche! A couple of my favorites that I suspect you'll probably end up hearing on Christian radio is the project opener You and I, that sounds like something John Mayer would write if he weren't so depressed and 7x70, a beautiful ballad that celebrates forgiveness.

August's voice is one of those that is immediately recognizable and one that I think will have a long shelf life on Christian radio. It is somewhat similar to Adam Young of Owl City - clear and powerful with just enough prowess to display some interesting turns on the melody lines without bogging things down and becoming 'showy.'

Chris August is a very talented young man, performing much of the music on the project himself with the help of Ed Cash and some other talented Nashville players. If you enjoy fun, energetic pop music and beautifully singable melodies, this would be a great CD to put in your car and enjoy over and over. I know I have!

Home Alone Turns Thirty!

What a shock to the system! Are you kidding me? The Home Alone kid turned thirty today? It seems like that movie just came out a few years ago. I was young and just starting out in my adult life! Where did all the years go? Did they leave for a Holiday Vacation without me?

I feel like I'm alone trying to defend my midlife from greasy bandits who want to steal all my time and energy and leave the water running.

I'll fix them! I'll connect a heating iron to the front door, tar and feather them at the window, pour water on the front steps to freeze and swing paint buckets down the staircase at them! You're not going to make off with my midlife greasy bandits! I don't care how old and creepy Macaulay gets!

Does this sound senile? Sorry, that wasn't me. That was the audio on some old movie clips I spliced together to fool you!