Music Mondays: Arresting Lyrics - Miscellaneous Edition

So while the previous posts in this series have been categorized by groups, early on I knew there were a bunch of singular songs that were all powerful. This is a mix of Christian and secular music that I find emotionally profound.

7. "How can I stand here with you, and not be moved by you?" - Everything, Lifehouse.

This is a line that is repeated several times as part of the chorus of this apparently slow ballad. It turns on a dime into a rock anthem at the four minute mark. It is at that point with the bridge "You're all I want, you're all I need. You're everything. Everything" that this charming lyric you'd heard over and over hits another level.

6. "If his grace is an ocean, we're all sinking." - How He Loves, David Crowder Band

Much attention was given to the mini-controversy regarding the changing of the original lyrics from "sloppy wet kiss" to "unforseen kiss". That unfortunately takes away from a genius metaphor that the original writer, John Mark McMillan, penned in this line. I'm hard pressed to think of a better description of God's matchless, infinite, amazing grace.

5.  "I am brave, I am bruised. I am who I'm meant to be. This is me." - This is me, The Greatest Showman

There are other parts of this song I could include. But after watching the vocalist "get arrested" herself by this line. I have to go with that. This song lends itself to being adopted by a whole host of people groups. I personally find it a worthy expression of how we all are made in the image of God and have inherent worth, value, and beauty.

4. "No one else in history is like you. And history itself belongs to you" - Jesus, Lover of My Soul, Passion

One of the great overlooked worship songs of this century, it has always resonated with me because of it's simple approach and honest expression of surrender. And this line is a reminder that our Savior is the Alpha and Omega, Lord of all history.

3. "Prone to wander, Lord I feel it. Prone to leave the God I love. Here's my heart, oh take and seal it. Seal it for thy courts above." - Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing

I'm pretty sure this is the first song and first line to ever "catch me" emotionally. I think that line has convicted thousands of Christians over the years because it forces us to recognize our battle with our flesh. Unless your church tradition is liturgical, confession like this is probably unusual for you to express within musical worship.

2. "There's a grace too powerful to name...Forgiveness. Can you imagine?" - "It's Quiet Uptown" - Hamilton

Ok, I'm cheating a little on this one. Early on in the song they mention "there's suffering too terrible to name", as the song (and story) progresses, there is "grace too powerful to name". And then as the Hamilton's reconcile, the Chorus singers remark - "Forgiveness. Can you imagine". Maybe I'm out in left field but ever since the first time I heard the song, I've been convinced that the grace too powerful to name actually is named - Forgiveness.

I was fully aware of the legendary status of the Hamilton play since it hit Broadway. I'm not a musical guy really so I didn't make a point to purchase super-expensive tickets 6 months in advance to go see a show in a distant city. I was aware of the basic subject matter and story. But when I finally watched it this summer, it was this narrative turn that hit me right in the feels. I won't fully spoil all the details, needless to say that there is something gloriously Christlike in the conclusion of the play. And much of it embodied by this song.  I also have to agree with the Youtube video that described this song as compelling it's audience to "ugly cry". That pretty much was my experience.

1. "And we will come back home, home again!" - From Now On - The Greatest Showman

I love this song for two reasons really. It's a rousing conclusion to a musical movie that I was surprisingly entertained by. P.T. Barnum has come to the end of his rope and realizes what is truly important.  I also like how easy it is to co-opt into a spiritual song about our hope of eternity. In a generic way, Barnum's character arc reflects the redemptive arc all Christ-followers experience both with their salvation and their daily walks. And we can all look expectantly ahead when we will be Home. I did find a few "Christianized" videos of this song literally being co-opted by youth groups and the like, which sort of makes me roll my eyes. That fact notwithstanding, I still appreciate the spiritual notes lying beneath the surface. 

Not really a Music Monday

At the end of this blog, I'll post a music selection for this week. But I wanted to feature something else this week. 

Last Friday I sent out a bunch of tweets regarding biblical interpretation and theological discussions. It seemed to be well received but because of the character limits and the format of Twitter, the entirety of my rant was hard to follow. 

So, thanks to one friend's suggestion, I'm posting it as a whole here. I am likely to add some short additions but I hope you enjoy and maybe even are provoked to think deeper on these things.

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I've been in ministry around 15 years with a M.Div that was 90+ credits. But the most helpful theological instruction I ever received was something I got early on in my first Systematic Theology class when I believe I was a freshman in college. What follows is from the late Dr. Dave Plaster.

There are levels of authority/certainty when it comes to asserting theological truth. To quote Dr. Plaster, "An understanding of where a statement rests in authority helps us to determine our attitude towards others who disagree with us."

"(The level) does not mean we do not hold various statements with conviction even when others disagree...but we should avoid a 'flat' theology which does not distinguish between levels of authority." These are the 6 levels:

1. Direct Statements of Scripture. These carry the greatest weight of authority. The plain statements of God's Word offer us doctrinal truths that should be non-negotiable. But let's be sure these essential truths are not interpretations.

2. Direct Implications from Scripture. These are very substantially established truths from Scripture but are implications (maybe even applications) and not always 100% directly stated in the Bible.

3. Probable Implications of Scripture. These are inferences drawn tentatively. Some evidence is probable but these are theological statements not totally provable from the Bible.

4. Inductive Conclusions from Scripture. This is where statements/beliefs come from the overall data of Scripture with lots of deducing. There is less direct Biblical evidence being employed.

5. Conclusions inferred from General Revelation. These involve assertions that come from nature, science, and non-biblical wisdom/knowledge. Dr. Plaster taught that if the clear Biblical truth is opposed to this "General Revelation", the Biblical position should be taken.

6. Outright speculations. These are theological statements that could possibly be derived from obscure references in the Word.

The early levels will have more direct ties to a lot of Scripture, but this will lessen the further down the continuum one goes. Also, we should hold firmly to Level 1 truths, but loosen our grip the further we go.

For example, I will never compromise on faith in Jesus Christ as God's way of salvation. That's Level 1. I would die for that. But I am not willing to risk my life on whether or not the Church will live through a 7 year literal tribulation in the end times. That is more a Level 4 (maybe 3) truth, mostly because there is plenty of biblical data for different viewpoints.
These levels are important to think through for a lot of other issues of course. When life begins, Human Sexuality, Creation vs. Evolution, the reality of Heaven/Hell, and Eternal Security are all popular hot-button topics that even people outside the faith engage in at times. These topics need to be viewed through the lense of these levels, even before we ardently defend our views on them.

I have seen more basic versions of these levels of interpretations - where core doctrine is differentiated from traditional dogma which is differentiated from personal preference. But I appreciate this more-specific lens through which to look at theology. We will better understand our own beliefs and better engage in discussions if we accurately assess what level our positions come from.

Good reminders for us all, thanks Dr. Plaster.

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As promised, here's a musical selection for anyone who has persevered this far. This song is directly connected to my sermon from Sunday, which was out of Isaiah 24-26.

It's by a well-known worship artist, Chris Tomlin but it is not one of his popular tunes. I fell in love with it off of his "Live from Austin Music Hall" album of 2004. The cool thing about it is that it features David Crowder and really improves on the original.

A tempo change in the live version plus addition of the lyric "Jesus, Lord and Savior" within the chorus were perfect ways to improve the song - at least in my opinion.

And the original studio edition:

Music Mondays - Faith In Tension

One of the most valuable things I learned in seminary was that we must hold some seemingly opposite spiritual truths in tension. 
God is a God of love but also justice. 
God is fully sovereign but allows his creatures the freedom of choice.

Our modern, Western minds can't always handle that. But to the Middle Eastern perspective, it is totally normal that two things that do not really fit together can both be true.

This reality combined with some CCM radio listening inspired me to compile a list of Christian songs that reflect this 'faith in tension'.

A couple notes (feel free to skip if you just want to get to the songs):

• I decided to to stick to recent music only. To fish in a pool that considers all of Christian hymnody would be too much of an undertaking for the purposes of this author and his blog.
• I also decided to stick to Christian music.  There are some worthy options from those who don't identify as followers of Christ, but I wanted to keep the focus on Christians who are dealing with the tensions in their/our faith.
• I used my own rating system to rank the songs. I had three categories: Clarity of Tension, Theological Depth, and Overall Song Quality. I rated each song on Clarity of Tension (CT) on a scale of 1-10 based on how well the song communicated the tension or paradox it described. Theological Depth (TD) was also scaled 1-10 based on how significantly it grappled with heavy theological issues. Overall Song Quality (SQ) was only rated between 1-5 because I didn't want my musical preferences to get in the way too much. I also added a Bonus rating (0-2) as a sort of miscellaneous category to help break ties and account for additional aspects of each song.

We'll break down my top ten over the next two weeks. 
Here's #10-#6:

10. "Trust in You" - Lauren Daigle

 (Total Score - 20. CT: 8, TD: 8, SQ: 4, Bonus: 0)

Her voice carries this song, but don't underestimate the lyrics. A commitment to faith even if God doesn't work things out how we desire or hope? That's textbook Faith in Tension.

9. "Even If" - MercyMe

(Total - 20.5. CT: 9, TD: 7, SQ: 3.5, Bonus: 1)

This is a new song that got me thinking about this whole idea. It's like if "Blessed Be Your Name" and "What if I Stumble" - both songs on this list - had a baby song. Honest and real. It would probably have a higher score if it wasn't being overplayed on Christian radio right now. Bonus for a direct allusion to Daniel 3. 

Music Mondays

My last Music Monday post was a little silly, tying into the NCAA Tourney that was going on. 

With this post, we're getting more serious and spiritual, tying into the Easter weekend we just went through. 

I've featured these songs before, but I can't think of anything better than to feature these three favorites that highlight the glorious truths of the Resurrection story. 

They don't really need extra comment, but they do all deserve extra contemplation as we "move past" Easter. Even if time marches on, hopefully are hearts will remain  fixed on these realities.

 

Music Mondays

With all the pre- and post-election political craziness going on, I find worship music to be a refuge. Ok who am I kidding, most of these Music Monday posts involve worship songs. But they are especially cathartic when our society turns all shades of ugly.

So with that in mind, I share this song, one that resets my focus on the grace and love and sacrifice of Jesus, my King.

The Cross meant to kill is my Victory.

Music Mondays

"Is it bow season?"

That was the question I heard one of our members ask another yesterday at church as a group of us men were putting our socks and shoes on.

You probably regard that scenario as strange for a number of reasons. 

I find it fitting.

Yesterday was World Communion Sunday and our denomination celebrates communion with a three-piece observance - the Love Feast, Communion, Foot-Washing. We sit around round tables of 6-8 people and have a carry-in dinner after the Worship service. We let each table decide when they want to do feet-washing as the ladies go to a designated room and the guys to another. 

This Tri-Fold Communion mixes all that is good about being a follower of Christ. Serious thought and consideration is given to what Jesus has done for us and how we must approach him. Familial fellowship is enjoyed around delicious food. The special opportunity to serve and be served is present as we follow the very non-American custom of removing our socks and shoes, taking anothers foot, and rinsing it in a tub of water - then letting someone do the same to us. 

After we have imitated Christ in that way and all have had their fill of meatballs, cheesy potatoes, salad, and pie, we dim the lights and partake of the Bread and the Cup. At the end of the service, as a group, we sing the Doxology. 

As we drove home, my mind went back though to that singular question one of our men asked another. Sure it's a basic question, possibly meant to deflect some awkwardness of the foot-washing exercise. But I felt something deeper at play. 

That question was intentional because the one who asked knew the enjoyment his friend got out of that hobby. 

More than that, he knew his friend. 

That is Christian fellowship. In the midst of worshiping in an unusual way, he inquired about life.

Praise God from whom ALL blessings flow - even those of leisure that He enjoys to share with us.

Music Mondays

You'll have to forgive me for having Revelation on the brain, but we're just wrapping up a sermon series in that book. And as I've been preparing for it, I've come to a greater appreciation for how the book unfolds and what it is communicating. 

We finished the book yesterday, looking at 22:6-21. Even if you take just a cursory glance at that passage, it's hard to miss the fact that three times, Jesus declares "I am coming soon!" And the Church responds at the very end "Amen. Come Lord Jesus."

While there are important specific responsibilities based on this key overriding message, this week's song selection ties directly into the fact that Jesus is coming again soon.

This is a new song from Passion 2015 that I've already heard on the radio multiple times. It captures the essence the conclusion of Revelation, expressing a desire for His return and a commitment to be ready.

Music Mondays

I've run out of ideas when it comes to themes for Music Mondays. So today, I thought I'd go with a song that's been getting stuck in my head. It's especially appropriate for the current sermon series in Daniel:

Daniel's message communicates the hope we have in our God. It reminds us over and over that God is faithful and in control. God is the light of all and all that we need, because he will bring deliverance for His people. Can't get enough of this song, admittedly because virtually all the heavy hitters of the current worship scene are playing together.

Music Mondays

"Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing" is my favorite hymn of all-time. It's a humble song, it's a thirsty song, it's an honest song.

David Crowder may be my favorite song-writer of all time, which is probably clear from the fact that he's already shown up twice on this particular list. He is theologically profound and musically gifted, unique both in his appearance and in his approach to writing music.

So when the David Crowder sings "Come Thou Fount...", it is a special occasion. Based off of the amount of video's on YouTube of him singing this song, it seems like one of his favorite songs too. Below is a video recording a live performance of him singing a medley of "Come Thou Fount..." and "Amazing Grace".  Enjoy his one-of-a-kind take on two classics:

Music Mondays

I grew up in a church that sang traditional hymns almost exclusively. Those great songs hold a special place in my heart, even though as I've clearly demonstrated by this blog, my musical preferences are much more on the contemporary, 'rock-n-roll' side of the scale.

Yesterday we say this song during our worship service, a popular new version of the classic hymn "Amazing Grace". It gave me an idea for Music Mondays - to highlight some classic hymns that have been remixed in a contemporary style.

To kick things off, I thought I'd start with the song that ended up as the most played song on my own iPod (until the battery ran out and it was reset). I love the arrangement and added chorus that Crowder includes in this song. It's hard to sing the original without wanting to try to sing this version.

If you have your own favorites, feel free to leave a comment or message me on facebook.

Music Mondays

David Crowder might win the all-time 'strangest appearance of a worship leader' award, but even his amazing beard can't distract from his profoundly worshipful music. The band that bore his name has retired, but he's coming out with a greatest-hits album titled "All This For A King".

This song from that album might be the quintessential Crowder song. It's not tailor-made to sing in churches, like many of his songs, his lyrics and music often have unusual "pace" (for lack of a better term). But the lyrics are stunning in their perspective and profundity.

What I personally appreciate about his music is that he consistently uses creative ways to describe his high view of who God is.