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We Are The Outpost – AWAKEN – EP

February 9, 2012 in culture with 10 Comments

We Are The Outpost have just launched a killer EP, AWAKEN. It’s seriously good, I’ve had it on repeat for the last week! Jesus-centred lyrics, solid tunes, well produced. The band was birthed out of the youth ministry of MBM Rooty Hill (Western Sydney, Australia).

BUY IT NOW ON ITUNES

I dig all 4 tracks, but the stand outs for me are 1 & 2.

(1) Anchored Hope – I was told by one of the younger guys at church that this song had a post-hardcore feel. I’m not sure what that means, but I guess it’s good! This song is jam packed with goodness from the New Testament book of Hebrews. The song begins with “burn your white flags, look up ahead” (this refrain is then repeated at the end). The idea of burning your white flag is all about not surrendering, not giving up, continuing to persevere and trust in Jesus until the end. This song will definitely be put on the playlist at SOULIES. It’s also got a good beat for exercise and running!

(2) Hallowed – Cliff Richard did an okay job back in 1999 with his Millennium Prayer hit in getting the words of The Lord’s Payer stuck in your head. We Are The Outpost do a much better job! I would love it if youth ministries all over the place got the words of The Lord’s Prayer stuck in their head through Hallowed. It’s got a little bit of a The Temper Trap feel to it. Tidy work.

If you’re part of making music happen in your youth ministry/church – get into this gear! If you’re not, get into it anyway – it will be good for your soul.

BUY IT NOW ON ITUNES

Props to Matt Sparks for running a sweet youth ministry. And BIG props to Steve Vassallo for writing & producing this EP and for his ongoing work with the band.

A River With No End // Ghost Ship

December 18, 2011 in culture with 0 Comments

Ghost Ship are a rootsy/bluesy band from Mars Hill Church. I’ve had their recent EP on repeat for the last few weeks. I dig the opening track – One God – with its call to turn from idols and serve the True and Living God. My favourite track is The Revelation of Jesus Christ – it’s more or less straight from Revelation 21 with an accompanying banjo to boot.

You can listen to the whole EP for free on Bandcamp. You can also get free copies of lyrics and chord charts etc. I listened to it lots of times before purchasing it. Because I really liked it, I paid $6 instead of the asking price of $3. Generous, I know.

Check it. Let me know what you think.

Simply Sing – Fresh Songs for Churches

April 4, 2011 in Jesus with 6 Comments

When my friend Matt Mulready contacted me and said I should check out his new music project, I knew it would be good. But let me be honest, it’s much better than I was expecting!! Let me explain. Simply Sing is seeking “to equip God’s family with fresh songs that teach and respond to the saving work of Jesus.” Cool aim. I knew that the songs would do that. They do. The music is great, and the lyrics are really encouraging.

After I downloaded the tracks I prepared myself to listen to some basic demo’s. This is when I was blown away (not literally, I’m pretty heavy and the wind would need to be pretty strong). The tracks that they’ve produced aren’t basic demo’s. They are really tight, well produced and recorded songs. Sweet!

Simply Sing have released 5 songs with the launch of the website. For a limited time it includes a free download of See the Man. The other tracks are priced cheaper than tracks on iTunes. Win. I really enjoy the new music to the old hymn There is a Green Hill. It’s a tough call, but of the 5 tracks my favourite is At your Feet. Check out these great lyrics from verse 1 and the chorus:

THINK by John Piper

March 28, 2011 in Jesus with 6 Comments

John Piper writes books quicker than I can read them. But I still try! I thoroughly enjoyed one of his recent books: Think: The Life of the Mind and the Love of God. Here’s part of the official blurb from the publisher, Crossway: “We often pit thinking and feeling against each other, especially when it comes to the Christian experience. Glorifying God with our minds and hearts, however, is not either-or, but both-and. Focusing on the life of the mind will help you to know God better, love him more, and care for the world.”

Here’s a promo video for the book:

In Think Piper has two biblical texts that form the main point of the book. 2 Timothy 2:7 – “Think over what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything” (ESV) and Proverbs 2:3-6 – “…if you call out for insight and raise your voice for understanding, if you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures, then you will understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God. For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding…” (ESV)

God, Marriage, and Family | Andreas J. Kostenberger

October 18, 2010 in Jesus with 0 Comments

Crossway have recently launched the 2nd Edition of God, Marriage, and Family: Rebuilding the Biblical Foundation by Andreas J. Kostenberger. You can find out about the book here. It comprehensively deals with the Old Testament, the New Testament and current topical issues. I’m currently studying Christian Ethics at college and it’s a useful text for a theological college student, but I think it’s not beyond the average reader. I know of a number of churches that use this as required reading for couples before they get married. Marriage is currently under attack in our world… there’s no better time to be acquainted with God’s good plans for relationships than now!

Here’s a blurb from the product website:

The release of the landmark first edition of God, Marriage, and Family provided an integrated, biblical treatment of God’s purposes for the home. Since then, explain authors Andreas Köstenberger and David Jones, the crisis confronting modern households has only intensified, and yet the solution remains the same: obedience to and application of God’s Word.

In the second edition of God, Marriage, and Family, Köstenberger and Jones explore the latest controversies, cultural shifts, and teachings within both the church and society and further apply Scripture’s timeless principles to contemporary issues. This new edition includes an assessment of the family-integrated church movement; discussion of recent debates on corporal punishment, singleness, homosexuality, and divorce and remarriage; new sections on the theology of sex and the parenting of teens; and updated bibliographies. This book will prove to be a valuable resource for personal and group study, Christian counseling, and marriage and family courses.

Get your hands on a copy:

Crossway | Amazon | Booko | Browse the whole book online

The Church History ABCs: Augustine & 25 Other Heroes of the Faith

September 5, 2010 in culture with 4 Comments

It’s wise to learn from church history, both the triumphs and the tragedies of those upon whose shoulders we stand. I’ve really liked the church history subjects at college and enjoy reading Christian biographies. Stephen J. Nichols and Ned Bustard recently published The Church ABCs. Here’s the blurb: This book follows the alphabet as it introduces parents and children to twenty-six pillars of the Christian faith. Whimsical, full-colour illustrations and engaging prose teach church history in a fun and creative way.

Each entry includes a short paragraph or two with great illustrations of the person and some of the things they’re well known for. At the end of the book there are longer paragraphs that provide some more background for each of them. The reading level is aimed at 8-12 year olds. But it would be a great book for parents to read with their children (perhaps one entry per night for a month?). Nichols does a good job of explaining some key historical figures, as well as some encouraging gospel content.

Here’s the A to Z lineup: Augustine, Anne Bradstreet, John Calvin, John Donne, Jonathan Edwards, John Foxe, Lady Jane Grey, Hippolytus, Ignatius, Absolom Jones, John Knox, Martin Luther, Monica, John Newton, John Owen, Patrick, Queen Jeanne of Navarre, Bishop Nicholas Ridley, Charles Spurgeon, Tertullian, Zacharias Ursinus, Antonio Vivaldi, John & Charles Wesley, Francis Xavier, Florence Young, Ulrich Zwingli.

There are 9 Johns in the list! That’s crazy. There are probably a disproportionate number of Americans on the list, but that is not to be unexpected from an American author.

Any suggestions for people you’d ditch and someone to replace them on the list?

Get your hands on a copy:

Crossway | Amazon | Booko | Browse the whole book online

New Dietrich Bonhoeffer Biography by Eric Metaxas

September 2, 2010 in culture with 4 Comments

I said that my Bonhoeffer essay was my favourite essay of the year. Now that I’ve written it, I retract that statement! While I thoroughly enjoyed all the reading, I think I stuffed up the actual essay. Here’s a quick book review of one of the books I read.

Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy is a new biography written by Eric Metaxas (he’s the guy who wrote the recent bio of William Wilberforce). It’s brilliant! I couldn’t put it down. Bonhoeffer’s story is incredible and Metaxas’ writing is is simple, yet compelling. It’s comprehensive (600 pages) and also includes extended extracts from Bonhoeffer’s writings. Understanding his life is useful for understanding more fully the context in which he wrote. Gripping stuff.

It’s very good. Read it. Pick it up on Amazon: Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy

What Did You Expect?? by Paul Tripp

August 6, 2010 in Jesus with 4 Comments

Protecting your marriage matters. Normally, Row and I read the bible together at night. But one of the things we’ve done in the last few of years is – for a period of time – replaced our nightly bible reading with a different book that will help us to protect our marriage. It’s been a really useful practise. The latest book we’ve been reading is brilliant! It’s called, What Did You Expect?? Redeeming the Realities of Marriage.

It’s written by Paul Tripp. He’s a dude. I’ve recently started following him on Twitter and most of his tweets are retweetable (for non-twits, that’s a compliment!!). Here’s how the publishers Crossway summarise the book:

What is the Gospel? By Greg Gilbert

July 26, 2010 in Jesus with 0 Comments

The word ‘gospel’ simply means ‘good news’. Of all the gospels in the world, there is no gospel that is more momentous or more important than the gospel of Jesus. My life was changed when I came to understand this gospel. But what is ‘the gospel’?

Greg Gilbert from 9 Marks ministries has recently written a book that answers this question with great clarity in a small and very readable book.

Here’s the description from Crossway books:

What is the gospel? It seems like a simple question, yet it has been known to incite some heated responses, even in the church. How are we to formulate a clear, biblical understanding of the gospel? Tradition, reason, and experience all leave us ultimately disappointed. If we want answers, we must turn to the Word of God.

Greg Gilbert does so in What Is the Gospel? Beginning with Paul’s systematic presentation of the gospel in Romans and moving through the sermons in Acts, Gilbert argues that the central structure of the gospel consists of four main subjects: God, man, Christ, and a response. The book carefully examines each and then explores the effects the gospel can have in individuals, churches, and the world. Both Christian and non-Christian readers will gain a clearer understanding of the gospel in this valuable resource.

The God, man, Christ, response formula is nothing new. So the book isn’t offering a new or fresh understanding of the gospel, but rather restating the gospel as it is revealed in the Bible. I really love the way that Gilbert writes. This book is only 100 (small-sized) pages, but in those pages he packs in a lot of quality content without some of the technical clutter you might find in a more academic work. That doesn’t mean that this book lacks academic integrity, rather it’s written at a level that is accessible to a general readership.

Here’s a video of Gilbert explaining why he wrote the book:

The Prodigal God – By Tim Keller

March 18, 2010 in Jesus with 1 Comment

Luke 15 is one of my favourite chapters in the Bible. I’ve spoken on the chapter 10+ times in the last couple of years. Some of my thinking on the passage has come from sermons and articles from Tim Keller. I recently read his book, all about Luke 15, The Prodigal God: Recovering the Heart of the Christian Faith. It’s very good.

Here’s a basic overview of each chapter.

The People Around Jesus – one of the keys to understanding this parable is understanding the two kinds of people that have gathered to hear Jesus. There are the tax collectors/sinners and the cranky Pharisees.
The Two Lost Sons – often this parable is focused on the ‘Lost Son’. Keller argues that there are actually two lost sons. The younger brother, just like the tax collector/sinners, is obviously lost. The elder brother, is lost in the same way as the cranky Pharisees.
Redefining Sin – this chapter kicks off with two ways to find happiness: moral conformity, like the elder brother/Pharisees; and self-discovery, like the younger brother/tax collectors. Both are wrong because both are on about self-salvation. Yet both are loved by God. Continue Reading…

The Reason for God: Belief in an Age of Skepticism

November 20, 2009 in Jesus with 0 Comments

Guest Post. The following is a brief review by Martin Shadwick. Martin is an uber-smart guy who works with AFES on the main campus at Newcastle Uni. He’s also my brother-in-law.

The Reason for God: Belief in an Age of Skepticism by Tim Keller. This is now my default book to give to university students who want to find out about Christianity.

The first half thoughtfully answers the standard objections people have to Christianity (e.g. how could a God allow suffering? hasn’t science disproved Christianity? isn’t Christianity a straitjacket?). The second half explains what Christians believe and offers reasons for faith.

Keller’s style is engaging, humble, and sympathetic to the sceptic. His apologetic approach is largely (although not entirely) presuppositional – that is, Keller suggests that Christian presuppositions actually provide the best explanation for our experience of the world. He does not shy away from difficult subjects, showing, for example, how the doctrine of the Trinity makes sense of our experience of relationships, and how the Trinitarian God invites us a true life centred on other people, not ourselves.

There are perhaps a few too many C. S. Lewis quotes, but Keller is quick to acknowledge his debt to Lewis’ thought.

I am thankful to Keller (and God!) that he wrote this book. It has filled a much needed place as a contemporary, readable, sensitive book to give the thoughtful enquirer.

Find out more about Martin’s ministry here.

The second best book to read | Jesus All About Life

September 24, 2009 in Jesus with 5 Comments

The best book to read is the Bible. Hands down. But I think I’ve recently discovered the best book, after the Bible, to read. Over the last 10+ years I’ve been recommending books to teenagers, to help them get to know who Jesus is and what it means to follow him. My top three were the John Dickson trilogy for teenagers: A Sneaking Suspicion; A Hell of a Life; and Hanging in There. Now, don’t get me wrong – JD’s books still rock the suburbs, seriously. But they are starting to date and we need more good books that will help to introduce young people to the real life that is found only in Jesus.

Jesus all about Life by Murray Smith

Introducing, Jesus All About Life by Murray Smith. This book is now my number 1 recommendation to teenagers (closely followed by JD’s trio). It’s brilliant! Murray, one of the Pastor’s at Kirkplace Church, is a really smart dude. So he knows his gear. Yet he writes in an informal and teenage friendly style, without trying to be a teenager!

Bring You Praise | Trevor Hodge

August 13, 2009 in Jesus with 0 Comments

Trevor Hodge has been writing praise and worship songs for over 10 years. In the past 12 months, I’ve been to a number of events where Trev has led the congregation in singing, ranging from 20 people to 400 people. In both contexts he’s effective in taking the spotlight off himself and directing it toward Jesus through uplifting songs.

bring you praise | trevor hodge

Bring You Praise is a fantastic album that also directs the listener toward Jesus. The album achieves something that many others in this genre fail to achieve: emotional AND theological engagement. That is; lots of albums are brilliant musically, but lack theological richness; while other albums are theologically rich, but lack in their ability to engage emotionally.

One of the striking features of Bring You Praise is the centrality of the gospel throughout the album from beginning to end. The death, resurrection and return of Jesus are themes that are returned to again and again.

Qurious – The Good Life | High School Ministry Resource

August 9, 2009 in Jesus with 2 Comments

Most scripture teachers and youth pastors that I know are pressed for time and are limited in their capacity to produce quality resources. Qurious have just released a useful tool for using in high school scripture classes and seminars. It’s well produced and one of the great strengths of this package is its flexibility.

qurious - the good life

The DVD has the following features:

you: an introduction | by michael jensen

January 29, 2009 in Jesus with 9 Comments

You don’t have to look too far to realise that “life is all about me”. Here is the most recent addition to my collection of me-centred narcissistic paraphernalia. It’s a t-shirt. A week after I photographed the t-shirt on the rack, I saw some crack pot actually wearing it at the local mega-plex shopping centre!

Actually, Yes, The World Does Revolve Around ME!

But I’m not so stupid to believe that the world really revolves around me? Am I? Are you? Often I am. Often you are. The problem is: we hear this message so often, that we actually start to believe it.

It’s into this context that Michael Jensen has written a book called you: an introduction. It might sound like it’s a book all about you. It is. And it isn’t.

NiteEV Live

December 22, 2008 in Jesus with 1 Comment

On 28 July 08 a couple of hundred people packed out the Avoca Beach Cinema for an uplifting night of singing praise to Jesus. The Nite EV crew have done an incredible job at pulling together their first live album: NiteEV Live.

NiteEV Live

The recording quality of the instruments is exceptional, and even though some of the vocals are wobbly at times, it only adds to the raw energy of the album. Have a listen. Click to keep reading and for pictures from the night:

Nothing in my hand I bring

April 21, 2008 in culture, Jesus with 4 Comments

Nothing in my hand I bring – by Ray Galea

Book Review

Nothing in my hand…

In preparation for some recent talks on the 5 Solas of the Reformation, I read Ray Galea’s new book Nothing in my hand I bring (published by Matthias Media). I believe that Galea’s book is a very helpful read for all Protestants in the lead up to the World Catholic Youth Day 2008 (which incidentally will cost NSW tax payers $86million).

Sublime: Katie Noonan and the ACO

March 25, 2008 in culture with 9 Comments

Katie Noonan has the best and most beautifully versatile female voice in Australia. Last Wednesday night we went to see her singing with the Australian Chamber Orchestra (ACO) at the City Recital Hall in Angel Place, Sydney.

Katie Noonan ACO

It was an absolute musical treat to hear the smooth vocals of Noonan and the energetic performance from the ACO.

Band review: DAYBREAK

March 19, 2008 in culture with 2 Comments

Daybreak played at Church on Sunday night. The young band consists of drums, guitar, bass + vox. They were good. They seemed a bit uncomfortable playing at church, but I think that had more to do with congregational song selection than it did talent. Their lead singer looked a little bit uncomfortable up front, but again that may have simply been the context in which they were playing.

Daybreak band

They list the following musical influences: U2, dcTalk, Bon Jovi, Van Halen, Delirious?, Radiohead, Switchfoot, Powderfinger, Jeff Buckley, Midnight Oil, Dream Theater, Porcupine Tree and Crowded House. Listen to some of their originals on their MySpace page, including tracks from their new ep: Reaching for the Surface – good stuff. I don’t know of many evangelical bands playing good tunes in and around Sydney. Could Daybreak be the next Revive??

If you’re looking for a band for a youth event, Daybreak might be your answer! Got any other recommendations?

Introducing God – book review

October 26, 2006 in life with 12 Comments

“And this is eternal life, that they know you the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.” (John 17:3 – ESV) This verse, from Jesus’ prayer recorded in the Gospel According to John, describes eternal life as knowing God. Eternal life isn’t just having life forever, going to ‘heaven’, being forgiven, an end to pain or being justified. Eternal life is about relationship. Relationship with God: the Creator of the Universe. Relationship with His Son: the Lord Jesus Christ.

I’ve recently read a book that has an aim of introducing people to God, that they may know him and have relationship with him. I can’t think of a better aim for a book!

Introducing God: Meeting the God who loves us is a fantastic book written by Dominic Steele (with Melinda Chiew). It’s adapted from the popular Introducing God course. The book is clear and easy to understand. Dominic is warm and engaging in his writing style. I thoroughly recommend this book to Christians as a book to read and then give away to non-Christian friends.

As a youth minister, I’d be more than happy to give this book away to senior high students. It could become a great tool for youth evangelism. Although a junior high student could read the book, I will probably continue to give ‘younger’ books to them.

FOUR REASONS WHY I LIKE TO READ BOOKS LIKE THIS ONE:
1) I am forgetful. I need to keep being reminded of the glorious news of the Lord Jesus. Christians need to preach the gospel to themselves daily and ought never grow weary of hearing and believing John 3:16
2) I am prone to self-reliance. Books like these point me to the Bible and my need to continue depending on God.
3) I don’t reinvent wheels. These books always have great illustrations that I can use in talks or classes.
4) I like to know if a book is suitable before I give it away.

Introducing God was great because it 1) Reminded me of the gospel; 2) Pointed me to the Bible and dependence on God; 3) Had great illustrations; 4) And is definitely suitable to give away.

FOUR THINGS IN PARTICULAR I LIKE ABOUT THIS BOOK:
1) It’s based on Two Ways to Live. 2WTL is a brilliant gospel outline that assumes nothing. It clearly explains key doctrines of Creation, Sin, Judgement, Atonement, Resurrection and Belief. This is great for a culture that knows nothing of the Bible and needs to go back to the beginning.
2) The idea of sin can be difficult to explain to a post-modern crowd. Dominic helpfully explains sin in terms of our declaration of autonomy from God. This definition, as well as an illustration about Prince Leonard The Ruler of Hutt River, runs throughout the whole book.
3) At the end of each chapter there is a story about people who have been introduced to God. These stories are great examples of how real people have responded to the God who loves them.
4) The message of the cross is clearly explained.

FOUR WAYS YOU COULD USE THIS BOOK:
1) Read it. Give it to a friend. Talk about it.
2) Read it. Give it to a friend. Talk about it. Invite them to a course (eg. Introducing God)
3) Read it with a friend. Talk about it.
4) Read it to a friend. Talk about it.

Do you get the point? This is a great book to read and a great book to give away. Buy a bucket-full and start giving them away!

You can find the book in a Christian bookshop or online.

Have you read the book? What did you think?
Given it to any friends yet? How did it go?