CD Review - Valley of Vision (08/22/06 - 27 Comments)
Contemporary praise and worship music has achieved a poor reputation. It is often regarded as being of poor quality both musically and lyrically. Sadly, this critique is often accurate. Yet there are some who swim against this current. It is only in the last year or so that I have been introduced to an organization that produces music to which these critiques cannot apply. Sovereign Grace Music has released a wide variety of albums which...
WorshipGod06 - Reflections (08/15/06 - 54 Comments)
It was a great thrill for me to spend several days of the last week among the men and women of Sovereign Grace Ministries and Covenant Life Church at the WorshipGod06 Conference. Being among these people was an opportunity for me to learn a great deal about worship and to learn how other believers express their worship to God. Sovereign Grace Ministries is often described as being "Reformed Charismatic" but it seems that this may...
WorshipGod06 - Sixth Session (08/12/06 - 6 Comments)
The final day of the conference began with seminars, so Julian and I decided to attend one led by Dr. Bruce Ware who spoke on "Worshiping the Triune God." As I expected from the man who wrote such a convicting book on the Trinity, Dr. Ware covered the topic thoroughly and biblically. This is a seminar that you may want to consider purchasing a listening to a couple of times. It will prove well worth...
WorshipGod06 - Fifth Session (08/11/06 - 18 Comments)
This evening's session, the fifth general session of the conference, was primarily a time of singing and worship. I have attempted to capture an account of the evening's events that those who have never attended a Sovereign Grace event may be able to understand how they worship. The evening began with "Come Now Almighty King" and soon transitioned to a Valley of Vision video featuring the prayer "Spiritus Sanctus." Awe in God's Presence: We sang...
WorshipGod06 - Fourth Session (08/11/06 - 3 Comments)
The fourth session of the WorshipGod06 Conference will be led by Bob Kauflin who was first honored by Mark Altrogge and others for his years of outstanding service to the Lord through ministry. Bob will be speaking from 1 Corinthians 12. Too often we approach God like the subject of a biography. We read about him, but do not expect to actually encounter Him. We pray but don't think He'll talk back. We read His...
WorshipGod06 - Meet The Prez (08/10/06 - 5 Comments)
As I mentioned in my write-up for session three, George W. Bush took some time out of his busy schedule to drop in to the conference and introduce Keith and Kristyn Getty. As much as I hate having my photograph taken, a photo op with the President was forced upon me. So here it is: this is myself with George W. Bush: And here he is signing one of his 8x10 glossies for me: Incidentally,...
WorshipGod06 - Third Session (08/10/06 - 6 Comments)
We were led this evening by Devon Kauflin and 1Band. We also endured more of Mark Altrogge's mostly-hilarious antics and anti-pianist commentary. I will continue to accept reasons why guitar players are better than piano players or why guitars are better than pianos. Feel free to let me know via the comments and I'll pass them along to Mark. And then, to the tune of "Hail to the Chief," a George Bush lookalike took the...
WorshipGod06 - Prayer Room (08/10/06 - 4 Comments)
One interesting feature here at the WorshipGod06 Conference is the prayer room. This is a small room that has been set aside for times of individual prayer. We have all been invited to go into this room whenever we feel the urge to sit quietly, to journal, or to pray. There are several "stations" in the room, each with its own focus. The stations feature prayers and quotes collected from The Valley of Vision. There...
WorshipGod06 - Second Session (08/10/06 - 10 Comments)
We awoke this morning to hear about the terror plot that was foiled in England. While we are grateful that no harm was caused and no damage was done, we quickly realized that it may make getting home more of a chore. We're expecting long lines through security. And I guess my hair gel and toothpaste will have to be left behind. How sad. This morning's conference kicked off with a wonderful time of worship...
WorshipGod06 - First Session (08/09/06 - 16 Comments)
After leading us in "Come Christians Join To Sing" and "The Glories of Calvary," Bob Kauflin asked everyone to divide into groups of four or five to pray together. One person was to thank God for safe travel and for the opportunity to worship and fellowship together; one was to pray for our minds, one was to pray for our hearts and one was to pray for our lives. We had a brief but edifying...
WorshipGod06 - Introduction (08/09/06 - 1 Comments)
After waiting at the Toronto airport through a flight delay and a plane change, we arrived at Covenant Life Church just after 4 PM. We found our way to Carolyn McCulley.who was kind enough to give us a guided tour of both the church and Sovereign Grace Ministries (the two share a building). I was thrilled to meet many of the men and women of these organizations, many of whom I have corresponded with at...
Travelling (08/09/06 - 1 Comments)
By the time you read this, I will likely be on my way to Gaithersburg, Maryland. As you know, I'll be bringing live updates from the WorshipGod06 conference beginning this evening. The event kicks off at 7:00 PM and I should have the first update a couple of hours after that. I'll continue to update through Thursday, Friday and Saturday morning. I hope you'll check in over the next couple of days!...
WorshipGod06 (08/07/06 - 11 Comments)
Two days from now I will (Lord willing) hop on a plane and head down to Gaithersburg, Maryland. I have been invited to liveblog the WorshipGod06 Conference that will run from Wednesday evening until Saturday morning. While I would love to stay in town until Sunday and worship at Covenant Life Church, family duties will call me back to Toronto on Saturday. This is the fifth occurrence of this biannual event devoted to the theology,...
WorshipGod06 (07/06/06 - 6 Comments)
Just about a month from now, I will, Lord willing, have the privilege of live-blogging the Sovereign Grace Ministries WorshipGod06 Conference. This is the fifth occurence of this biannual event devoted to the theology, practice, and joy of God-honoring worship. It will be my first time attending. The main sessions of this year's conference will explore the theme of "the glory of His presence." "Throughout Scripture a distinguishing mark of God's people has been His...
