Author: Chris

My belief is that God has created each of us for a holy destiny. Through biblical teaching and writing I hope to lead souls to find God, learn to apply His Word to their lives, and find opportunities to join in the work of His Body, the Church.
Faith, Ministry

Defining Worship 3

Chris

We’ve looked at some different ideas about what worship is. Along the way, I made the statement that I have no choice but to take hold of a musical definition of worship. Then I tried to make that case a bit. But there is one more aspect of using a musical definition for worship that I’d like to share with you.

You see, I do not think it is the musical aspect, in and of itself, that is the key to worship. “Music is not worship itself, but music is a means of carrying our worship” (CeCe Winans, Throne Room , 48). I believe it has to do what music does to us, and what we do through music. We might think that music is just a background addition to our daily lives, but it is much more than that.

Continue reading “Defining Worship 3” →
Faith

Defining Worship 2

Chris

How can we take the bold step of defining worship from a strictly musical perspective? What do we have before us in Scripture and behind us in experience that can help us either make a case for that definition or defeat it?

One of the first facets I have to grapple with is that there is a definite difference between worship and service, even in Scripture. Through the prophet Jeremiah, the Lord called the people of Judah and Jerusalem evil, “who follow the dictates of their hearts, and walk after other gods to serve them and worship them,” and proclaimed judgment upon them (see Jeremiah 13:9-10). Though there are passages in the prophets that show that God was displeased by the evil His people caused one to another, there is more evidence that His wrath arose because of idolatry. Continue reading “Defining Worship 2” →

Faith

Defining Worship 1

Chris

I recently finished writing my first book about worship. At the beginning I try to help define worship so that everyone who reads the book takes it from the same angle. But what about you? Have you ever thought about how you would define worship, or how you would come to that definition? If not, the next few entries might help you out.

Isn’t it amazing (and ridiculous) how we can get so entangled in our personal preferences and interpretations to the point that we argue and bicker over something we haven’t even come to a common definition of? Continue reading “Defining Worship 1” →

Christian Living

Deal or No Deal

Chris

Back this fall is the hit television series “Deal or No Deal.” Have you seen it? Chances are if you’ve seen it once, you were likely to catch it again in your channel surfing. At least we were in our house.

The game works by the player choosing one briefcase out of 26. Each case has a dollar amount the player can win from $.01 to $1 million. There are several rounds where the player must choose a number of cases left in an effort to determine which dollar amount they have in their briefcase. At the end of each round the “banker” offers the player a dollar amount for their briefcase. Sometimes the player makes a good deal, sometimes they don’t. Continue reading “Deal or No Deal” →

Christian Living

Family Basics – Vision and Priorities

Chris

We all have visions in our lives, whether we know it or not. Do you need some examples?

I will do everything I can to get that next promotion. Your vision = the promotion
I need to work some overtime to help pay the bills again this month. Your vision = to pay the bills on time
I want to be a better dad than my dad was. Your vision = to be a better parent
Mom and Dad said I have to get a job before I can get a car. Your vision = to buy a car

We have visions for our kids. Continue reading “Family Basics – Vision and Priorities” →

Christian Living

Family Basics – Building Up

Chris

As parents we have a role to play in the lives of our children. It is not only to feed, clothe, and put a roof over their heads. We are to prepare them for the future. We give them today the tools that they will use in the world for themselves. In building up our children, we must understand that we are equipping them for life on their own. That life may be at school, the playground, the local grocery store, or it may be college and life beyond. Continue reading “Family Basics – Building Up” →