Biblical reflections and resources for thoughtful worshipers and worship leaders
The end of a year always provides a chance for analysis and forecasting. While it's an arbitrary marker in certain respects, it allows us a chance to evaluate our work and lives. John Piper recently released his end of year report for Desiring God Ministries. In this 9 minute video, he describes …
[Read more...] about Phil’s Top Ten Lists: 10 Things to Make 2012 Memorable
I love a great story. I especially like seeing a great movie or musical. Even now I can hear the haunting music as the tension rises only to be released in a moment of ecstatic joy. Characters facing overwhelming challenges only to be rescued by a lover or a friend. Villains chasing their …
I love singing Advent songs like "O Come, O Come Emmanuel" and "Come Thou Long Expected Jesus." They help me remember the longing Israel felt as they waited for God's promised Messiah. Check out the two cool arrangements of these songs I've linked above. Before Christ's arrival, Israel knew God's …
[Read more...] about God With Us: 5 Implications of the Incarnation for Corporate Worship
If you grew up outside the church or in a broadly evangelical congregation, there's a good chance you don't know what to do with Advent. For years I thought Christmas and Advent were synonymous. Not true. They are inseparable, but they play distinct roles on the church calendar. To help you rethink …
[Read more...] about Phil’s Top Ten Lists: Top 10 Reasons to Celebrate Advent
If you're a church musician, I'm sure you've heard, said or been a victim of one of the following statements: "Worship is not a performance, so stop showing off every Sunday." "God is more concerned about our hearts in worship, so you don't need to practice as much for worship as you might for …
