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Archive - April, 2010

Free Music Friday 05 // City Alight – Holy

April 30, 2010 in culture with 5 Comments

City Alight is the new album from St Paul’s Castle Hill. It has a fresh mix of great rock and pop songs for congregational singing or passionate solos while driving in heavy traffic. I recently spent time with some of the band; they seem to be creating a great culture of grass roots song writing in their church. What a great encouragement to their church and the church more broadly! My favourite tracks are the first and last Not Alone and Forever and Always. Check their website to hear samples of each track.

‘HOLY’ – FREE DOWNLOAD FROM ST PAUL’S CASTLE HILL

Do you want the whole album for free? Castle Hill will send out a copy of the full album to 1 reader. To enter, share in the comments why this would be a useful album for your church or youth ministry.

Band website | Facebook | iTunes | Koorong | Twitter

Got an idea for Free (+ legal) Music Friday? Leave it in the comments. Are you a band? Think I might like your music? If you send me your album and let me give away at least one mp3 for free, no promises, it might be featured! Contact deets.

Today is Compassion Day 2010

April 29, 2010 in life with 0 Comments

Today is Compassion Day 2010. “Each year, on one action-packed day, Compassion unites with Christian radio stations across Australia to take up a mighty challenge – changing the lives of 1600 children living in poverty.” This website isn’t a radio station, but I figure it’s a good opportunity to encourage readers to be generous. // Find out more info

Rwanda – Battling for safe drinking water – here’s a project that readers of dmdc have previously partnered with Compassion. // Find out more info about Compassion Day

I’ve Made The Switch – World News Australia

April 27, 2010 in culture with 9 Comments

Reading/watching the news is a good thing. I’ve made the switch to SBS World News Australia for my browser homepage. I’ve gone from Sydney Morning Herald to ABC News and now to SBS. I lost confidence in SMH a few years ago and now ABC are increasingly running more sensational hit-seeking articles in the prominent headline positions.

I already feel smarterer from reading the site. Mainly, I feel like I understand more about what’s happening in the world. That’s gotta be a good thing… right? What paper/news site do you read? Does anyone still read a physical copy of the ‘paper’?

300 – Lives Changed by Jesus

April 26, 2010 in Jesus with 2 Comments

God has continually shown his kindness through the ministry of KYCK. For over 15 years, KCC has run a youth conference keen to challenge teenagers to take the Bible and following Jesus seriously. I’ve posted and tweeted quite a few times over the past 3 weekends about KYCK 2010. This year the convention was attended by 5700 young people. Each Saturday night I gave a talk inviting young punks to follow Jesus.

Over the 3 weekends, over 300 have either become Christian or recommitted themselves to following Jesus! That’s very cool. God is very kind. It’s been super-encouraging to hear stories from many of those changed by Jesus. It’s such a joy to join in the chorus singing praise to God for new life. If you’re a pray-er, pray these new Christians would keep clinging to Jesus. Praise God for his kindness.

Interested in finding out more about Jesus?

Jesus Saves | Jesus Rules | Sweet Short Vid | Q+A | Take it Fervr

Free Music Friday 04 // Red Letter – Full Album

April 23, 2010 in culture with 0 Comments

It’s not Friday. It’s been 5 days since I last posted. But let’s pretend I wrote this on Friday (I’ll back-date the post). Mars Hill Church in Seattle have been generously providing their church music for free download for many years. One of their bands, Red Letter, have recently released a full studio-quality album Red Letter. Led by Pastor Joel Brown, the band is a mix of rock, indie and grunge. Sports people often play heavy music to get psyched up before the big game. This album isn’t that heavy, but as a preacher I’ve been encouraged by the Jesus-centred lyrics on the way to speak at a group/event.

Of the 9 tracks, my favourite are: 5 One Righteous Man; 6 Psalm 139; 2 Led to the Slaughter. Download it for free or nominate your price to support them financially.

Free Album Download | Band website | Facebook

Themelios Journal – Something for the older punks

April 22, 2010 in Jesus with 1 Comment

Lots of my posts lately have been written with younger punks in mind (ie Youth Ministry and KYCK posts). If you’re an older smarter punk, I haven’t forgotten you! This one goes out to you. Themelios is An International Journal for Pastors and Students of Theological and Religious Studies. If you kinda fit into either of those categories, check it out.

The latest issue – Volume 35 Issue 1 April 2010 – has just been released. It’s hectic in length – 196 pages. But jam-packed with solid content. My tip for reading? Read the feature articles – that’s manageable. The 1000 book reviews aren’t manageable – so scan them and work out any that grab your attention. I enjoy Don Carson’s editorials and have particularly liked reading Carl Trueman during the past year.

Moore College is also represented. Mark Thompson and Paul Williamson are on the Editorial Board. Paul Barnett and Con Campbell both have book reviews this issue.

4 ways to read it: Online | iPaper | PDF | Osmosis

(h/t Andy Naselli)

CMS Camp MMM – Rego Opens 23 April

April 21, 2010 in Jesus with 4 Comments

I dig CMS (Church Missionary Society). That’s because I dig the preaching of Jesus to all nations. Check them out – they have a pimpin sweet website. Pray. Care. Give. Go.

Dan Anderson and I will be preaching on the upcoming CMS Camp MMM. It’s a camp for High School Students on 5-9 July 2010 in Katoomba. From what I hear, it’s a killer camp. I’m really looking forward to being part of the action! If you want in – rego opens on Friday 23 April @ 7pm. I’m guessing you will be able to register from this page.

4 Tips on Becoming a Designer

April 20, 2010 in design with 9 Comments

A friend asked me how I learnt to do ‘design stuff’. The truth is, I didn’t one day sit down and plan on learning design stuff. I just gradually got better at making youth group flyers. Quite a functional way to learn! Below is my response to my friend.

Just have a go. If you want to design stuff, just start designing stuff. You’ll probably suck. That’s okay. That’s how you learn to do it better. Have you got Microsoft Publisher? Have a go. Have you got any of the sweet Adobe Design software? Have a go. Got nothing? Download GIMP for free and… have a go!
Look for online tutorials. If you start to progress, you can then find stacks of free online tutorials. Just google them. You’ll find more than enough to keep you busy increasing your skills.
Follow a design blog. Lots to choose from. My tip? SMASHING MAGAZINE. It has galleries you can get ideas from. Free fonts. Free backgrounds. Free tutorials.
Comic Sans font should be illegal. Save yourself grief. Don’t touch it. It’s ugly.

This post might also be useful: Top 5 websites for making free church graphics

Any tips to add?

Hey Young Punk – Remember Your Creator!!

April 19, 2010 in Jesus with 4 Comments

George Statheos has really been smashing it with the final KYCK talk on Ecclesiastes 12. This verse is a summary of the whole chapter. Remember your Creator in the days of your youth, before the days of trouble come and the years approach when you will say, “I find no pleasure in them” (Ecc 12:1) Here are 4 reflections:

People are prone to forget – the Bible repeats the refrain to ‘REMEMBER’. Israel forgot God – and worshipped idols instead of God. Because of our sin and forgetfulness, we must keep reminding each other to remember.
Old people are often cranky and bitter – Some old people are beautiful, but some are cranky, bitter, twisted and unwilling to change. If they don’t become a Christian in their youth, they’re less likely to become one in their old age.
Youth Ministry is the bees knees - want to change the world? Work with teenagers. Preach the gospel to them when they’re young. If they remember their Creator in their youth, they’re more likely to remember Him when they’re old.
Are you a young punk reading this? Have you heard stuff about Jesus? Do you actively remember your Creator Jesus? If not. Do it now. Don’t wait until you’ve experienced life. Remember Him, do it now before you get old and cranky.

Find out stuff about God | Learn about how to start following Jesus

Pilgrim’s Podcast #28: Dave Miers, Youth Ministry, Humble Orthodoxy & Snoring on Trains

April 17, 2010 in culture with 2 Comments

I hung out with Mark Earngey & Steve Gardner to record an episode of their podcast.

Check it out. It’s rowdy!

Free Music Friday 03 // Garage Hymnal – I Am

April 16, 2010 in culture with 50 Comments

Garage Hymnal are one of the foremost praise and worship bands in Australia. The 8-piece pop rock outfit play regularly in churches, youth groups and special events. They are currently leading the music over the 3 weekends of KYCK 2010. Give away #1 – They have made their track “I AM” available for FREE DOWNLOAD (link below).

Give away #2 - Two copies of their latest album ‘Garage Hymnal’ are up for grabs. To win one, just leave a comment below. It’s that easy. Entries chosen randomly Wed 21 April & Wed 28 April.

Garage Hymnal “I AM” (right click to download free mp3)

Band website | MySpace | Facebook | Twitter

Articles, Reviews & Videos for Christian Youth

April 15, 2010 in Jesus with 0 Comments

If you are a young punk or a leader of young punks – you need to check out this website: FERVR.NET. It has fresh content everyday: articles, reviews & videos.

They’ve recently launched a sexy new mobile version of the site and a brand spanking new e-book from Joel Moroney.

clickity click: fervr.net | mobile site | twitter | facebook

Make me more like Mary

April 14, 2010 in Jesus with 5 Comments

During Ed Springer’s first talk at KYCK #1 2010, I was challenged to spend more time listening and less time speaking. “Do not be quick with your mouth, do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything before God. God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few.” (Ecclesiastes 5:2) Part of our creatureliness is that we should spend more time listening to our Creator rather than being a motor-mouth.

I normally have good habits in regular personal bible reading. Maybe it was pride, laziness, the devil or a combo, but in the week leading up to KYCK #1, I didn’t take out much time to read the Bible. Challenged by the talk, when I got back to my room, I read the next passage in my reading plan. It was the 2nd half of Luke 10.

Check this out for a timely word to HEAR:

As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!” “Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:38-42 NIV)

Killed for their faith in Jesus

April 13, 2010 in Jesus with 4 Comments

The following is a snippet from an encouraging and sobering new website: “Thirteen Three is a youth initiative of Voice of the Martyrs Australia. Our mission is to empower and mobilise a generation of passionate youth to be bound with their persecuted brothers and sisters in Christ through praying, giving, writing, serving and telling others.”

Thirteen Three is inspired by Hebrews 13:3 “Remember the Lord’s people who are in jail and be concerned for them. Don’t forget those who are suffering, but imagine that you are there with them.”

Check it out. Pray.

KYCK 2010 #1 – Summary

April 12, 2010 in Jesus with 6 Comments

KYCK 2010 #1 was smoking hot! Row, Sam and I joined 2000 young punks for the whole weekend. It was good. Really good. Sam Low did a great job as the MC for the weekend. Great music from Garage Hymnal and Sounds of Light. I was really challenged by Ed Springer’s (main speaker) talks from Ecclesiastes. Likewise, Matt Rowson and George Statheos were solid in their talks. Encouraging stuff.

I gave the evangelistic talk on Saturday night. It went well. God did a wonderful work: 90 people responded with almost 40 of them praying to become a Christian… crazy good!

Interested in finding out more about becoming a Christian? Check out christianity.net.au and twowaystolive.com

Young punk? Check out fervr.net

Here are all my tweets from the weekend. See below the jump:

KYCK 2010 #1 – Latest Tweets

April 9, 2010 in Jesus with 1 Comment

I did a live-blog during KYCK 2009. KYCK 2010 kicks off tonight! I’m not going to live-blog, but I will tweet all the action. Check out all the latest tweets in the widget below (you may not be able to see it on your mobile device – if so use this link instead)

If you’re a young punk (or leader) going – SEE YOU THERE!!!

If you’re a Christian – pray that many teenagers would be changed by the word of God. If you’re not a Christian – check out this website.

John Calvin: It’s all about Jesus

April 8, 2010 in Jesus with 4 Comments

Check out this power-packed Jesus quote from Calvin: “Every good thing we could think or desire is to be found in this same Jesus Christ alone. For he was sold, to buy us back; captive, to deliver us; condemned, to absolve us. He was made a curse for our blessing, sin offering for our righteousness; marred that we may be made fair.

He died for our life; so that by him fury is made gentle, wrath appeased, darkness turned into light, fear reassured, despisal despised, debt canceled, labor lightened, sadness made merry, misfortune made fortunate, difficulty easy, disorder ordered, division united, ignominy ennobled, rebellion subjected, intimidation intimidated, ambush uncovered, assaults assailed, force forced back, combat combated, war warred against, vengeance avenged, torment tormented, damnation damned, the abyss sunk into the abyss, hell transfixed, death dead, mortality made immortal.

In short, mercy has swallowed up all misery, and goodness all misfortune.”

—John Calvin, preface for Pierre Robert Olivétan’s 1534 French translation of the New Testament

Shamelessly ripped from Of First Importance

I’m Here – short film by Spike Jonze

April 7, 2010 in culture with 4 Comments

I’m Here is a 2010 Spike Jonze short film. It’s a beautiful love story between two robots. Well shot. Good story. It’s loosely based on the 1964 children’s book The Giving Tree.

Watch the 30 minute film for free here. (Here’s the trailer)

(h/t Dave Irving – he’s blogging regularly again, worth checking out)

Train a child in the way he should go

April 6, 2010 in life with 1 Comment

…and when he is old he will not turn from it. (Proverbs 22:6) Sam likes books. I like reading books with him. There are some pretty meaty books on the 2 shelves he’s perusing in the pic below. However, the heaviest book in that shot is hard to see. It’s near his right hand, Where Did I Come From. Now that will be an adventure!!

Parenting is exciting and daunting. My prayer is that I would be training him now in the way he should go and that when he’s old he will not turn from it.

Single Ladies Devastation

April 5, 2010 in culture with 2 Comments

Ragamuffinsoul.com is one of my favourite blogs and Carlos Whittaker is one of my favourite bloggers. Recently he posted a short vid he filmed in the car. Their 3 kids were all singing and dancing to Beyonce’s Single Ladies on the back seat. Carlos told his son that he wasn’t a single lady. He was devastated! Watch it:

The video went viral. It’s now had almost 2 million hits on YouTube! It was interesting to watch the media opportunities that the Whittaker’s had following up the viral video. Kinda bizarre that so many TV stations wanted to run it as a story. But nonetheless, it was encouraging to see Carlos use the airtime to get adoption (his son is adopted) on the agenda. And also, his hits spiked during all the coverage, and there were some really clear gospel posts that many of his new visitors would have read. Sweet.

The closest I’ve had to a viral video is this with almost 10,000 hits. Didn’t quite get the same media attention! Next closest was this with 3,500 hits. It’s obvious why it didn’t get any media attention!!

What’s your favourite viral vid so far this year??