Music Review: Passion Awakening
I’ve been to quite a few Passion events since my first experience in 2000 in Memphis TN. Back then I was just a sophomore in college, awakening to the idea of a big God with big plans. God has been pleased to use Passion again and again to renew my heart and vision for God. Though I’m no longer in college, I’ve been able – in one way or another – to continue to attend events and bring others with me. Passion 2010 was especially moving for me because I got to attend with both my brothers (one a sophomore in college and one a college minister) and my beautiful wife Magen. We’re all still reveling in what God was pleased to accomplish in our lives as His word and glory were lifted high in Atlanta.
The new Passion album comes out March 9th, but you can preview the whole album for free right now on Yahoo Music. The album features songs by: Charlie Hall, Chris Tomlin, David Crowder Band, Christy Nockles, FEE, Kristian Stanfill, and Hillsong UNITED. I’ve listened to it all day, and the album goes far beyond serving as a simple reminder of good memories from a few months ago. It’s a great album that helps stir my soul towards God. My favorite tracks are: King of Heaven (Isaiah 61), Where the Spirit of the Lord is, Awakening, Like a Lion, and With Everything. The whole album sings with fresh vision for the church and the collegiate generation. I’m especially impressed with Chris Tomlin’s writing on this album (which may sound trite to say, but I’m honestly more of a Charlie and Crowder fan). Tomlin’s songs are just rock-solid and encouraging on this album. I’m really excited that Louie Giglio and team decided to end the cd with a track by Hillsong UNITED! I had feared that Hillsong would fail to make it due to licensing issues. The Hillsong concerts during the event were some of the most moving moments during Passion 2010, and I welcome their song to conclude the album.
I suppose this isn’t really a music review so much as it’s an encouragement for you, the reader, to grab the album when it comes out Tuesday. In the mean time check it out for free on Yahoo.
Thanks again Passion for pointing fresh generations of college students towards the glory of God!
http://www.sixstepsrecords.com
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No commentsCounterfeit Gods by Tim Keller
I recently finished Counterfeit Gods, The Empty Promises of Money, Sex, and Power, and the Only Hope that Matters by Tim Keller. Honestly, had it not been for my brother Andy, who gave me this book for Christmas, I probably would not have read it. I’ve heard for quite some time that Keller’s books are amazing, but the title of this book just seemed so “I already know what that’s about.” So, I wasn’t planning on reading it, but with Andy’s encouragement, I embarked on this rather accessible book and came away enlightened for the better.
Counterfeit Gods is a more in-depth study of the some of the themes in Louie Giglio’s book, The Air I Breathe. If you like that book, and it’s examination of the worship that every person is offering to something or someone, then you’ll love Counterfeit Gods. Keller begins with many of Giglio’s same tenants – 1) everyone worships something, 2) we can make an idol out of anything, 3) God is the only thing that will satisfy us, etc. – but he examines these ideas more thoroughly. Reading this book will convict your heart, reveal personal idols that you were unaware existed, and draw you towards the glorious gospel of Jesus.
One of the most intriguing parts about Counterfeit Gods is Keller’s ability to unveil truths within biblical stories that previously seemed absent. Listening to Keller explain a biblical story is like hearing the story for the first time. Without stretching the biblical text one iota, Keller unveils newfound understandings and exposes untold truths. This to me is Keller’s greatest accomplishment within Counterfeit Gods. He helps the Bible become alive.
I would be remiss not to mention that Keller also accomplishes the task of relating all of this Biblical understanding to modern day culture as he waxes eloquently about culture. He effortlessly relates everything to current cultural examples. He’s a well-read guy and it shows.
I cannot thank Andy enough for turning me onto this book. I honestly would have ignored Counterfeit Gods had Andy not sung its praises. This is a seriously good read that is convicting and timely. God has used it to speak into my life and reveal idolatry that I scarcely knew was present.
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1 commentFruitCake & Ice Cream – Louie Giglio
This is old news if you got to attend the Passion World Tour, or if you’ve already bought the dvd, but Louie Giglio’s message “Fruit Cake and Ice Cream” is pretty amazing. In classic Giglio style, Louie delivers a message that is soooooo simple, but extremely moving. Louie has a way of delivering a message that allows the Word of God to speak and sing and shout for itself. If the word of God isn’t moving us, it is because our hearts are hardened, not because the truth of God isn’t earth-shattering. Anyway, this message is just like that, but it ends with a true story that brings everything into palable focus. This dvd is worth the 54 minutes of your time that it takes to watch, and worth the $16 or so dollars you need to cough up to own a copy.
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1 commentExciting News from Passion
I just got on 268generation.com today, it’d been a while, and saw several exciting updates. Passion 2010 has been anounced, it will be in Atlanta. Christy Nockles is now on SixSteps records and has a new album coming out. You can get a free download of her latest single on her website (click below). And details about the church that Passion/Louie Giglio is starting have emerged. As I’ve said before, God has especially used Passion events in my life to deeply influence me, and I’m always excited to see that latest news about what is going on.
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