It seems fitting to conclude my series of blog posts on American hymnology by focusing on one of Americaโs most well-beloved hymn writers, Fanny Crosby (1820-1915). Even though Crosby passed away over a century ago, she still speaks to us through timeless texts like โJesus, Keep Me Near the Cross,โ โTo God Be the Glory,โ... Continue Reading →
Are You Listening?
"The way of a fool is rightย inย hisย ownย eyes, but a wise man listens to advice." Proverbs 12:15 "All the ways of a man are pureย inย hisย ownย eyes, but theย Lordย weighs the spirit." Proverbs 16:2 "Every way of a man is rightย inย hisย ownย eyes, but theย Lordย weighs the heart." Proverbs 21:2 "Do you see a man who is wiseย inย hisย ownย eyes? There is more hope... Continue Reading →
โWeโ or โMeโ in Church?
Americans have always placed a premium on individualism. But, in the Coronavirus pandemic, we have carried individualism to a new level. To avoid going out, some people are trying to get โoff the gridโ by generating their own power, planting their own gardens, or doing anything else imaginable. We see this same problem in our... Continue Reading →
Let the Little Children Sing
From the time Emily and I first knew we were expecting, we sang โJesus Loves Meโ to our daughter Evelyn. She heard it in the womb, then in the first few moments after delivery, and even now she hears it every evening at bed time. Next, we immersed her sister Kyrsten in the tradition. We... Continue Reading →
Coronavirus and Christ (John Piper)
I wanted to write a blog post addressing how a Christian navigates our current Coronavirus crisis. Such a discussion is profitable not only for Christians, but also for anyone who is looking for a steady rock in the shifting sands of uncertainty. These truly unprecedented times have caused many of us to think more deeply... Continue Reading →
Transcending the Worship Wars
What do you think when you walk into a church building and see an organ placed prominently toward the front? What about a drum set? How about an electric guitar? Depending on your views of worship and music, the mere sight of an instrument at the front of the sanctuary can evoke a wide range... Continue Reading →
Give Us This Day Our Non-Perishables
My wife Emily just got back from the grocery store this morning. In light of the Coronavirus pandemic, we werenโt really sure what to expect. We prayed with our two little girls before mommy left for the store, โGive us this day our daily bread.โ Then she returned with an embarrassment of rations. Donโt get... Continue Reading →
Dealing with the Coronavirus
Yesterday I had the opportunity to preach to my local church and address the Coronavirus pandemic. Click here to hear what I said.
What Camp Meeting Choruses Teach Us About the Gospel
โLetโs sing that chorus one more time!โ the worship leader calls out. You sing it again, this time louder and with more energy, โameningโ the truth of the song with your voice along with everyone around you. In todayโs music world, the best part of a song is often imbedded in the chorus or refrain.... Continue Reading →
God Made You to be You
I shared this on Facebook today:Good morningย ๐ As I go into another day of parenting, I think of innocent times when my girls say silly things like, โI want to be a boy.โ I think most every normal kid says stuff like that at one point or another. But given our current culture, I confess... Continue Reading →