Well, it's been a few weeks and I can't even get around to posting on a Monday. But I did want to move this little series along. Of all the controversial songs in CCM's history, "Cartoons" by Chris Rice may be one of the most interesting.
It was criticized for being anti-worship, misusing the Lord's name, and being borderline obscene (it references Beavis and Butthead!). It was also a chart-topper and one of Rice's most popular songs in a career that contained a lot of radio hits. Ultimately, I think it proves that many Christians don't get satire and can't laugh at themselves very easily. Too many of us take things like this too seriously. Rice's music resume reflects an incredibly profound heart for God and uniquely humble appraoch to worship. Why go crazy over a hidden track of a song he wrote for a youth group event? I could conjure up more thoughts and arguments in his defense, but this article does it for me: https://www.crosswalk.com/culture/music/chris-rice-and-the-great-cartoons-controversy-1383756.html. Meanwhile, let's allow ourselves a little fun, ok?
As the YouTube poster says in the description, this is really close to a perfect song. Especially for this Christmas season.
Yesterday I preached on John 1 and the miracle of God taking on human flesh. This song contemplates that profound truth and responds in a beautiful and simple way. It expresses wonder at the birth but also looks ahead in awe at the Cross - as all our Christmas celebrations should. "Welcome to our World" by Chris Rice
This past weekend, we continued to follow the life of Noah, specifically looking at The Flood episode. The previous week's passage (ch.6) detailed everything leading up to the historic catastrophe, and the following chapters leave no doubt about God's powerful judgment. While The Flood is largely about God's punishment of humanity for their pervasive sin, it is equally as much about God's grace to Noah, his family, and the animals on the Ark. God graciously directs, protects, remembers, and restores Noah. Noah's response of obedience, patience, and worship provide examples for us to emulate. "Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing" is quite possibly my favorite older hymn and it echoes those same themes found in Genesis 7-8. It expresses commitment, praise, and humility much like Noah did through the most trying year of his life.
The Flood renewed the physical creation that was Earth. It did not permanently renew the human heart (8:21) however, but God still promises blessing and we know ultimately had a solution in mind with Jesus. This great hymn likewise recognizes our continuing proclivity to sin and turns to Christ our Savior for the victory and forgiveness we need.
