The doctrine of Christmas

Ok so tomorrow is the last day in November, which means it is only 2 sleeps until December, or less if you are an insomniac. Christmas is getting closer and I can’t wait; I am so excited this year, even more than usual. Recently I was reading an article written by Tim Keller on why Christmas matters and he talks about ‘the doctrine of Christmas’ and how it is unique.

He writes, ‘On one hand, you’ve got religions that say God is so immanent in all things that incarnation is normal. If you’re a Buddhist or Hindu, God is immanent in everything. On the other hand, religions like Islam and Judaism say God is so transcendent over all things that incarnation is impossible. But Christianity is unique. It doesn’t say incarnation is normal, but it doesn’t say it is impossible. It says God is so immanent that it is possible, but he is so transcendent that the incarnation of God in the person of Jesus Christ is a history-altering, life-transforming, paradigm-shattering event.’

What makes this doctrine even more wonderful is that the incarnation is for each of us on a personal level. Jesus entered this world so that I could have the privilege of experiencing his love and grace first hand. For me this paints a picture of a beautiful time of year.

Katie Herzig - New album out in the UK

New album is just out in the UK, quite intrigued to get a listen. Hope there isnt to much messing about with electronic-y sounds. Here is a little gem of a duet with Matthew Perryman Jones.

Ellenowen - tune of the day

All Sons & Daughters

Some great new music....

Psalm 139 - examining the inside

Psalm 139.... Taking lead from the Psalmist and asking God to try me, and know my thoughts, is in my part a request that asks for divine intervention in examining more than what sits on the surface for everyone else to see, but what it is that is growing at the roots of my character.

It doesn’t take much thought to conclude that it is from this place, deep within, that our character is truly revealed. We can manipulate our character in a way that allows it to look good in front of others but how much more fulfilling would it be if our character was to look good in front of our own eyes and the eyes of our creator, not from any manipulation on our part but from an honest reflection of our hearts. Part of the beauty of our situation is that we don’t have to journey along this road by ourselves, but that when we look ahead, behind and all around God is there, a reassuring presence that overflows from this relationship. I pray that I can allow this relationship to define me and to do it from the inside out.

Ben Howard - Looking forward to the Album, out soon.

Bell X1 on WXPN

In all honesty i haven't given 'Bloodless Coup' the time it probably deserves. I respect Bell X1, i respect them for trying to advance their sound, taking their music on a journey from an origin that seems to be afraid to get stuck in the static environment of acoustic instrument and voice. However after listening to their show with WXPN I sometimes wish they would strip the music back alot more. The first song 'Velcro' sounds incredible, twice as incredible as its studio shadow. Take a listen to the first five minutes of this, its awesome.

Being church

I stumbled upon a video by Stanley Hauerwas which really made me think, an extremely learned man, named in 2001 as Americas best theologian, to which he replied ‘best is not a theological category’ he has quite a thought provoking view on worship.



I am a fan of ‘intergenerational’ community worship. Young and old have so much to teach each other, learning and growing with the help of the Holy Spirit. There is also very little doubt that we have much to gain in serving together, service should be integral rather than its most common position of being optional.

It isn’t the only model available to our churches today, but it is one that excites me. However it is a model within practical ecclesiology that is becoming more difficult to practice and even more difficult to establish in situations that have become homogenous with regards to age.

The practice of personal application in interacting with this video begins with posing and answering questions.

• With regards to church am I a worship consumer or a passionate participant?
• Is there a difference between going to church and going to worship?
• How can we begin to promote change of direction in thought, for those in our congregations who wish to be entertained, towards a mindset of being an active passionate participant in worship?

Great voice, great video

Matthew 9 - What about those people that are really out to cause us hassle.

Matthew 9:35-38

³⁵ Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. ³⁶ When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. ³⁷ Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. ³⁸ Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.”

As I read to the end of chapter 9 it becomes apparent that the passage shows compassion in its truest form. It was interesting to read Spurgeon’s thoughts on the original Greek word that was used to refer to the compassion that Jesus showed to those around him. Spurgeon writes that “The original word is a very remarkable one. It is not found in classic Greek. It is not found in the Septuagint. The fact is, it was a word coined by the evangelists themselves. They did not find one in the whole Greek language that suited their purpose, and therefore they had to make one.” The compassion Jesus had for those around him couldn’t be described by any available language so they made a word up. This is pastoral care to its extreme, what a lesson for me as I try to follow in the footsteps of a Saviour who lived out love beyond all measure.

The practical implications of this lesson become even more of a challenge when you take this passage in its context. Jesus knew what was coming next, he knew that the religious leaders he would come into contact with would put him to death, Jesus had also been living and journeying through a land that was filled with people who treated him unfairly, criticizing both his person and his work, yet he never stops following the plan his Father has for him, quite the opposite actually, he shows so much love that his disciples have to come up with a new word to express the strength of his actions.

It makes me think of my reaction when people get on my back, sometimes I think some people are just out to cause us hassle and harm, but no matter what their intentions, our intentions must shadow and show the example we have been left by Jesus.

A great man once said, “I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”

What’s more we have just witnessed, that, not only did Jesus say it, he lived it. I pray that today I can live this teaching out in my life, I pray for lots of grace because, especially when it comes to showing this type of compassion I will need it.

What is it that defines you?

What is it that defines you?

Possibly a question that makes you think, perhaps a question that is a little intrusive? I was introduced to Scotty Smith’s blog by a friend the other week and he say’s this as he prays, “Our organization doesn’t define us. Our work doesn’t define us. Our ministries don’t define us. Your (Jesus) relationship with us and your love for us are our defining realities. May we never forget.”

Id love to be able to say with confidence, that, it is my relationship with Jesus that defines me, I wish it was and have a great hope that it can be. I pray that today my hope can be strengthened with positive action rather than thought.

Regarding believing and seeing.......

Matthew 9:27-31

As Jesus went on from there, two blind men followed him, calling out, “Have mercy on us, Son of David!” When he had gone indoors, the blind men came to him, and he asked them, “Do you believe that I am able to do this?”

“Yes, Lord,” they replied.

Then he touched their eyes and said, “According to your faith let it be done to you”; and their sight was restored. Jesus warned them sternly, “See that no one knows about this.” But they went out and spread the news about him all over that region.

It’s true that my hope is Jesus. It’s also true that Jesus is the author and perfector of my faith. Therefore I can deduce that for my hope to increase it would be sensible for my faith to also increase. As Jesus is a constant in this equation, the buck stops with me! My faith doesn’t increase because of Jesus, it increases as I hand more of my life over to him and believe he has the power to make a difference.

Just like the guys in Matthew 9, Jesus was interested in their state of mind and heart and the strength of their belief. There is never any question regarding the power that Jesus has, the question was whether the blind men had the belief that Jesus could make a difference. Thinking that Jesus might have been able to make a difference wasn’t going to cut it. Belief must be stronger than that. I pray that I can believe like these two blind men, without any doubt.

Great music

I was round at my mate Stu's for dinner on Saturday evening and he gave me an introduction to these guys. Its brilliant. The aim of the project was to bring to fruition the idea of making hymns accessible and known again.

I love how they came up with their name, they state - the name comes from a reference to page 116 in our copy of the magicians nephew. by C.S. Lewis. It is a poignant passage where Aslan begins to sing Narnia into creation out of a black void.

It starts, “In the darkness something was happening at last. A voice had begun to sing. It was very far away and Digory found it hard to decide from what direction is was coming. Sometimes it seemed to come from all directions at once. Sometimes he almost thought it was coming out of the earth beneath them. Its lower notes were deep enough to be the voice of the earth herself. There were no words. There was hardly even a tune. But it was, beyond comparison, the most beautiful noise he had ever heard. It was so beautiful he could hardly bear it.”
~ C.S. Lewis

Brilliant, check out their website here

Hoo-rrrraaaayyyy, the Foos return!

Brilliant, finally got to listen to the album last night. Whats even better if you go to their youtube channel you can listen them play the album live (how exciting). It is pretty heavy, here is a lighter offering....

Matthew 9 - More faith

18 While he was saying this, a synagogue leader came and knelt before him and said, “My daughter has just died. But come and put your hand on her, and she will live.” 19 Jesus got up and went with him, and so did his disciples.
20 Just then a woman who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years came up behind him and touched the edge of his cloak. 21 She said to herself, “If I only touch his cloak, I will be healed.”
22 Jesus turned and saw her. “Take heart, daughter,” he said, “your faith has healed you.” And the woman was healed from that moment.
23 When Jesus entered the synagogue leader’s house and saw the noisy crowd and people playing pipes, 24 he said, “Go away. The girl is not dead but asleep.” But they laughed at him. 25 After the crowd had been put outside, he went in and took the girl by the hand, and she got up. 26 News of this spread through all that region.


I have been reading Matthews account of Jairus’ daughter for a few days now, and it has taught me so much. Jairus was the ruler of the synagogue at Capernaum, a position that would have undoubtedly brought much regard in the community, so to see someone of this status kneel humbly at Jesus feet shows the effect that Jesus was having on the people of this region. Jarius believed that Jesus had the power to heal his daughter, although some in their interpretation of the passage might question whether Jarius’ faith was as strong as the Roman centurions’ in chapter 8. He in turn believed that rather than touch, the mere command of restoration from Jesus was enough.


The personal application resounding throughout has to be that when you compare and contrast the two incidents, you can find yourself being critical of Jarius’. In retrospect of chapter 8 I found myself saying - Jarius, all you have to do is ask, Jesus doesn’t even need to see your daughter to restore her, his power is far greater than you can ever imagine. Then I compare and contrast this to me, I think of the many times where I have questioned, not either the power or authority of Jesus but rather if my asking for intervention in a situation through the power of prayer can have the impact I hope for. Oh me of little faith, I have already learned that Jesus has the power to do so much more than I can ever imagine, so why even bother to doubt. I think I need to pray for my faith to grow with much strength.

old school 90's flashbacks

I was sitting listening to some old school Newsboys and it reminded me of my love for contemporary Christian music during the 90’s. So I decided I would define a top 10 from the 90's, here they are.....the memories are priceless, the songs are possibly a little bit cheddareee but priceless none the less.


D.C Talk – In the light/Day by day
Audio Adrenaline – hands and feet/It’s over
Newsboys – Take me to your leader
Third Day – I’ve always loved you
Jars of Clay – Love song for a Savior
Delirious – Deeper
Steven Curtis Chapman – Lord of the dance
Caedmon’s Call – There you go
Bebo Norman – Walk down this mountain
Sonicflood – I want to know you


Here is a little Audio Adrenaline that just crept in, released in '99

Not quite as good...but good

I dont think it matches the original but its such an amazing song. A female voice adds a great twist.

Fasting, the old and the new...Matthew 9

Then John’s disciples came and asked him, “How is it that we and the Pharisees fast often, but your disciples do not fast?”

Jesus answered, “How can the guests of the bridegroom mourn while he is with them? The time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; then they will fast.

“No one sews a patch of unshrunk cloth on an old garment, for the patch will pull away from the garment, making the tear worse. Neither do people pour new wine into old wineskins. If they do, the skins will burst; the wine will run out and the wineskins will be ruined. No, they pour new wine into new wineskins, and both are preserved.”


Do I fast? No. Should I? Yes. That was a pretty easy lesson learned. However I should also remember to do it in the right way. Many around the time of Jesus ministry acknowledged that the Pharisees fasted, but rather than use the practice as a spiritual discipline to grow closer to God they did it so that they would be celebrated for their achievements in the public eye. It was carried out in order to impress.
I pray that I can explore the process of fasting, understanding how it can be done with a humble heart and used to grow closer to God. I also pray that I can investigate my spiritual practices in order to make sure that what I do is not done out of any intention to impress others but carried out for the glory of God.


Much can be discussed regarding the sewing new patches and pouring new wine. I understand it to mean the new covenant in Jesus, how it didn’t come to repair the old, but bring something fresh and new that not only fulfilled prophecy but it went beyond the old regime. It also makes me think about current church practices, I have no definite conclusions, yet this passage reminds me that Jesus is saying what is old, quiet or sleeping often cannot be transformed into something it was never intended to be. God may well use something new to carry out his work; we need to be open to that in building his Kingdom.

We also need to pray for discernment so as we don’t disregard that which is already established and bringing Him glory.

The heart strings

This is a great tune from Sucioperro's new album, THE HEART STRING & HOW TO PULL IT! I havent listened to the whole album yet but they worked on it (as it seems they have on previous albums) with Chris Sheldon who has mixed for the Foo Fighters and Biffy, so it should be a good listen.

Matthew 9 - Matthew

As Jesus went on from there, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax collector’s booth. “Follow me,” he told him, and Matthew got up and followed him. While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew’s house, many tax collectors and sinners came and ate with him and his disciples. When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” On hearing this, Jesus said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”

This pericope is terrific. Matthew would have been, in all probability, not, ‘flavour of the month’ with his fellow Jew. Tax collectors where often seen as traitors because of their relationship with Rome and their liaison with the brute force of Roman Soldiers. They were also allowed to keep that which they over-charged citizens; therefore the incentive to cheat for financial gain was huge. Taking this into consideration, it’s fantastic to understand that Jesus walks up to Matthew and says, ‘follow me’.

You have to love how Jesus builds his team. I was reading a commentary that states there is archaeological evidence that fish taken from the Sea of Galilee would have incurred a tax. I’m sure this made for some interesting introductions between Matthew, Peter, James and John.

So we see Jesus call Matthew to be one of his 12, his next step was to get as many of Matthews friends and workmates together and get some dinner. Jesus wasn’t content with making a difference in one person’s life; he wanted to share the kingdom with as many as he could. This is a great lesson in how we seek to build the kingdom for God, being content shouldn’t be in our vocabulary.

Thinking

Seeking understanding to find the knowledge of God. Proverbs 2:3-5 reads “indeed if you call out for insight, and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God.”

I started reading Think by John Piper, the foreword by Mark Noll concludes that “The point of Christian learning is to understand God’s two books – Scripture and the World- and, with that understanding, to glorify God.”

I pray that I can continue to read my bible, but read it with more enthusiasm, so that I can come to a greater understanding of how God, with his divine nature wants me to interact with those around me, rather than how I want to interact with my infinitely less significant human reasoning.

Too Much

I had put off buying Sufjan’s latest release ‘the age of adz’. I’m not entirely sure why. I had heard rumours that he had gone all electro-punk and I wouldn’t particularly like it. I haven’t spent a lot of time listening to the album in detail, in-fact I have only really paid attention to the first 3 songs off the album. I have been a busy boy and it has also had to contend with new releases from Elbow and Noah and the Whale this week.

Too much is the second track from the album, it starts off with what sounds like someone using a straw to blow bubbles in a glass of coke mixed with an all out blitz on the lost city of Atlantis 2000 leagues under the sea. Then it changes too something a little more beautiful before going all out weird and if not wonderful, definitely something that intrigues you enough that you want to go back for more.

The words really got me thinking.
The chorus sings “There's too much riding on that, there's too much, too much, too much love.”
I don’t think Sufjan was directly talking about ‘character’ but in light of my recent musings that’s
 what I instantly fused the lyrics with. Character and the example that should be exploding from
a life washed with grace. We have a lot riding on this example, not too much, but it is too much
to take lightly and mess up. 

Jesus said in Matthew 5 “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

There is too much riding on this, this ‘too much love’......I pray that God will build my character in a way that helps me serve this culture that surrounds me according to his will, showing his grace and love every which way that I can.