Christian Music with Good Theology?

Where do you find music with excellent theology? You might have to turn your ear to my favourite Puritan rap artist if you want to actually learn something biblical and worthwhile. I'm not speaking of the whole genre of course but there is a guy called Shai Linne on the scene who does hip hop with amazing reformed theology.

Theologically Shai is a Calvinist who packs more theology into a 3 minute song than many evangelical preachers do into a 45 minute sermon. Shai is a guy off the streets who finds inspiration from reading classics like "The Cross of Christ" by John Stott as well as preachers like Paul Washer, John Piper, and CJ Mahaney - How cool is that!!

Here is a track from Shai's new album "Atonement" called "Were You There" . . . you just gotta listen to this!



Shai has also been discussed and played on my favorite radio show Way of the Master Radio . . .

Coming to a Cinema Near You - A Movie Actually Worth Seeing

I am envious of you folk living Stateside for there is an excellent movie opening next month which I encourage you all to see. It's called "Fireproof" and stars Kirk Cameron and is brought to us by the people who made the Christian themed surprise packets "Flywheel" and "Facing the Giants". This is a movie that is not only devoid of expletives, sex scenes, and grotesque violence, but is also a film that is completely unambiguous in giving a sharp and biblically sound presentation of the Christian Gospel. Please support this film so that it might make it to Europe!



Below I have pasted Tim Challies review of the movie. Tim Challies has one of the best Reformed blogs on the web and has reviewed most books you can find in a "Christian bookstore". He is a very hard marker with sharp biblical insight so I read his review with great interest.

Fireproof is a product of the team who brought us Facing the Giants, a film produced with a budget of merely $100,000 that went on to gross $15,000,000. In this new film Kirk Cameron plays Caleb Holt, a fire chief in Albany, Georgia. While he is loved by the men who work for him and regarded as a hero in his town, Caleb struggles in his relationship with his wife, Catherine. After seven years of marriage it seems that the relationship is growing cold. Caleb finds solace in looking at pornography on the Internet while Catherine finds herself in a growing relationship with a colleague. As the couple begins to steel themselves for a divorce, and as they begin the process of ending their marriage, Caleb’s father presents him with a book and challenges him to begin a 40-day experiment he calls “The Love Dare.” Caleb decides to give it a shot, though he does so more to respect his father than to salvage his failing marriage. Struggling to show love for his wife even as she continually rejects him, Caleb calls his father and asks, “How am I supposed to show love to someone who constantly rejects me?” This gives his father an opportunity to share the gospel with him and, armed with the reality of a new love, Caleb sets out to win back his wife’s heart.

I can be excused, I think, for entering the theater somewhat apprehensively. After all, Christians do not have the greatest track record when it comes to combining great spiritual truths with sound art. But in the case of Fireproof I was pleasantly surprised. The film, though produced with a limited budget compared to most of what we see on the big screen, is very well put together. There are really no occasions where I feel a bigger budget might have improved the film, and this despite a couple of extended action sequences where I would almost expect to see quality compromised by budget restrictions. This is clearly not the case.

This is not to say the movie is without blemish. There are a few occasions when the dialog becomes just a bit stiff or stilted and this is especially true in the film’s opening moments. There are a couple of times when I feel that portions of the script could have done with just a little bit more tweaking or when a scene could have benefited from just one more take. Also, I feel that a handful of the minor characters are too weak, either through lack of development or through sub-par acting. But these are really the only downsides worth mentioning. (Is it worth mentioning that everyone in the town has a good Georgia accent except for Caleb? How is it that his father and mother both have that southern drawl and he doesn’t?)

Kirk Cameron is very solid in the lead role and was a great choice for it. He is strong throughout and at key moments, when given the chance to shine, is outstanding. Erin Bethea, who plays opposite Cameron as Catherine Holt is also very good, and this despite Fireproof being her first major movie role (and only her second role overall). Caleb’s father is excellent as a wise, loving, pastoral father. The prominent characters develop well and I found myself genuinely drawn into the story. While the movie deals with difficult and serious themes, it does not take itself so seriously that it cannot pause for a few laughs now and again.

One thing I like to evaluate in Christian movies is whether the film inserts faith themes subtly or blatantly. In the case of Fireproof the person who watches this film will walk away with absolutely no doubt that it is a Christian movie. Faith figures prominently and the gospel is clearly presented. Sinful actions and decisions are shown to have negative consequences and are eventually rebuked. While “The Love Dare” is used to draw Caleb back to his wife, it is clear that this is merely an instrument used by God to do His work. This movie is Christian by any measure. It sweeps to an ending that is powerful and emotional, stirring to tears at least several of the people in the theater with us.

I enjoyed Fireproof and am excited to know that, come September 26, a film with such a good message will be debuting on hundreds or thousands of screens across America. It is a refreshing film with a refreshing message that speaks boldly to a culture infatuated with immorality and convinced that divorce is freedom. I am grateful for this film and pray for its success.

Sacred Cow Saturday - Episode 3 - Gender Roles

As a Christian it is critically important to exercise a sound biblical worldview. That means we can understand the world by what Scripture has to say about it. When the Bible tells me that Jesus Christ is the only way to receive salvation from God's coming judgment I can confidently discriminate against all other religious paths as false.

But sometimes worldly ideas infiltrate our church culture actually causing professing Christians to interpret Scripture via prevalent worldly thinking. One of the biggies in this area would have to be the influence of feminism on many pulpits. I mentioned in an earlier post how a preacher at a wedding I attended read a text from Ephesians chapter five and deliberately circumnavigated the verses that told wives to submit to their husbands.

Does the modern church need to keep putting a new spin on Scripture that doesn't conform to society? The Apostle Paul tells us in his letter to the church in Rome not to be conformed to this world but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. What should our mind be renewed to? Well Paul answers this in his letter to the church at Philippi;

Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. (Philippians 2:3-8)

So Christ (the Bridegroom) painted a picture of His love for His Church (His bride) by humbling Himself as a servant and ultimately laying down His life for her. Scripture is clear that godly marriage should reflect this. Husbands should love their wives as Christ loved the Church, and wives should submit to their husbands as unto Christ (and yes, the context is already there in the verses). This is not about importance or value but about a human shadow of something heavenly.

If you have an axe to grind over this then maybe you need to examine yourself and see if you need to die more to self. If it is no longer I that live, but Christ that liveth in me then why are we spending time debating these issues of equality. Women should not be treated equally with men - they should be treated better by an adoring husband. Husbands should not be usurped and overruled by their wives - they should be submitted to by a wife who understands that her husband is her covering and the one who is answerable to God for the wellbeing of his family. And ultimately (and I have to confess that my own marriage is a work in progress) a marriage is an opportuntity for two people who have crucified their own flesh to glorify God by displaying Christ's love for His Church and the Church's devotion to Christ.

None of us hit the mark but it is a worthy goal to pursue. Just ask Voddie Baucham . . .



Go On To Episode 4
Go Back To Episode 2
Go Back To Episode 1

Tim the Catholic Calls Back

Yesterday we heard a great witness encounter between Kirk Cameron and "Tim the Catholic". It was very apparent that Tim was massively convicted. As Tim got off the phone they pleaded with him to think long and hard about their conversation. Well Tim did think long and hard and actually called the radio show. Download the podcast and find out what happened to Tim. Tim calls at 26 minutes into the program (have a box of tissues handy).

Pay particular attention to Tim's hunger for God's word and desire to witness to others - generally strong indicators of genuine conversion.

Go Back To Hear The Initial Interview

Kirk Cameron Masterclass - How to Witness to a Catholic

I have mentioned on an earlier post how much I respect Kirk Cameron as an authentic Christian who actively shares the Gospel. Just over two years ago on "Way of the Master Radio" Kirk was in the studio and a Catholic guy named Tim called in asking some questions. What followed was an amazing fly on the wall experience of listening to a born again Christian witness to a Catholic with tremendous wisdom and knowledge of the Scriptures.

This is a brilliant case of turning on the light instead of exposing the darkness. Kirk never points out to Tim the erronous doctrines of Catholicism but rather explains the Gospel with clarity and Tim joins the dots. Click here to download the podcast and hear the encounter. It starts about four minutes into the program. Kirk teaches us that we can lead a horse to water, and while we can't make it drink, we can salt his oats.

Tomorrow - Tim the Catholic Calls Back

Go On To Hear Tim's Phone Call When He Calls Back Two Weeks Later

New to The Bottom Line - Washer Wednesday

Paul Washer is possibly the most downloaded preacher in the world. His preaching is making a massive impact among the resurgence of reformers. I believe what is special about Paul is that he is literally a "dead man walking". He is a man who is beyond caring about diplomatic sensibilities and getting invited back. He is a weeping prophet who fervently desires to glorify God with every fibre of his being and sheds many tears over unrepentant sinners.

I have had the great priveledge of meeting and talking with Paul Washer in person and I can say without hesitation that he is a humble and gracious man who has no interest in personal fame or recognition. His ministry "Heart Cry Missionary" is one of the best causes I have ever seen for financial support. They train indigenous missionary's in many third world countries for a tiny fraction of the cost of sending a western missionary.

Paul Washer returned to the USA to speak at a leadership conference after many years in a third world mission field. The sermon that follows "Modern American Christianity" literally rocked my world. Brother Paul drops bombs left, right, and centre on the unprepared audience telling them what he really thinks about the church culture in the USA (and other western countries for that matter). If you don't like it you'll have a hard time trying to biblically fault it . . .

Why God's Law Must Thunder from the Pulpit (Part 3)

Continued from yesterday . . .

So preacher, I beg you, please don't destroy the biblical meaning of grand concepts such as grace, love, forgiveness and salvation by failing to preach law, wrath, sin and hell. Their very definition hinges on a correct biblical understanding of these truths. This is highlighted in the following account of an interaction between Jesus, a sinful woman, and a pharisee.

One of the Pharisees asked him (Jesus) to eat with him, and he went into the Pharisee's house and took his place at the table. And behold, a woman of the city, who was a sinner, when she learned that he was reclining at table in the Pharisee's house, brought an alabaster flask of ointment, and standing behind him at his feet, weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears and wiped them with the hair of her head and kissed his feet and anointed them with the ointment. Now when the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, "If this man were a prophet, he would have known who and what sort of woman this is who is touching him, for she is a sinner."

And Jesus answering said to him, "Simon, I have something to say to you." And he answered, "Say it, Teacher. A certain moneylender had two debtors. One owed five hundred denarii, and the other fifty. When they could not pay, he cancelled the debt of both. Now which of them will love him more?" Simon answered, "The one, I suppose, for whom he cancelled the larger debt." And he said to him, "You have judged rightly."

Then turning toward the woman he said to Simon, "Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave me no water for my feet, but she has wet my feet with her tears and wiped them with her hair. You gave me no kiss, but from the time I came in she has not ceased to kiss my feet. You did not anoint my head with oil, but she has anointed my feet with ointment. Therefore I tell you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven--for she loved much. But he who is forgiven little, loves little."
(Luke 7:36-47)

If you really want to love God a lot like the woman who washed Jesus' feet then perhaps you need a deeper understanding of your own depravity and unworthiness. This in turn will serve to magnify Christ's redemptive work on the cross.

God's law serves four functions for those of us in the New Testament era:
1.It stops the sinner's mouth from justifying itself;
2.It helps the whole world realize that they are guilty;
3.It brings the knowledge of sin; and
4.It acts as a schoolmaster to bring us to Christ.
(Romans 3:19,20, Romans 7:7, and Galatians 3:24).

When preaching God's law it is important to remember that it is a mirror and not a stick. It shows us our utter inadequacy and inability to please God. It is designed to drive men to complete surrender rather than improved behavior. To bring us to the point where we are through with ourselves, where we seek a substitute, where we hunger and thirst for righteousness - it is then that God's grace becomes wondrous. It deepens our gratitude and sense of wonder at how amazing grace really is.

But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8).

Go Back To Part 2
Go Back To Part 1

Why God's Law Must Thunder from the Pulpit (Part 2)

One of the reasons mentioned in Friday's post was that the law is necessary to bring the knowledge of sin. The Apostle Paul confirmed this point in his letter to the church in Rome "What then shall we say? That the law is sin? By no means! Yet if it had not been for the law, I would not have known sin. For I would not have known what it is to covet if the law had not said, "You shall not covet.""(Romans 7:7).

It is popular to suggest that everybody knows that they are sinners. But do they really? Scripture teaches us that "every man is clean in his own eyes" and "proclaims his goodness". Sure most people will concede to doing a few wrong things but grace is never amazing to them because they've never contemplated the severe depth of their sin. A give away for this point is that these people often ask the question how can a loving God send people to hell and why is there evil?

I'll allow Voddie Baucham to answer this point.



Continued Tomorrow - Why God's Law Must Thunder from the Pulpit - Part 3

Go On To Part 3
Go Back To Part 1

Sacred Cow Saturday - Episode 2 - Spanking Part 2

Continued from last Saturday where we heard from John Piper on the issue of disciplining and spanking children and why he is willing to go to jail over this issue.

One of the great priveledges in my life has been to meet Kirk Cameron who is well known for the lead role in the "Left Behind" trilogy and playing Mike Seaver in the hit late 80's/early 90's sitcom "Growing Pains". But I was excited to meet Kirk because I have learnt so much from him about witnessing and preaching the Gospel through the "Way of the Master" TV series and the radio show. There is nothing nominal about Kirk's Christianity - he's the real deal. I think of him as a preacher who can act.

Another thing about Kirk and his wife is that they are outstanding godly parents to their six children. Why can't one of these trashy Hollywood magazines do a story about how someone has held down a marriage for 17 years and is raising 6 children in the fear of the Lord? Kirk is dedicated to learning and growing in Christ and in turn discipling his children. So many people spoke so positively about Kirk that I became concerned (pondering Jesus' warning about beware when men speak well of you) but then the atheists took care of that with all their hate mail after Kirk and Ray Comfort's televised debate with the atheists (see my first post on this blog).

So when Kirk recommended a resource for raising children in a way that honors God and is faithful to Scripture I was all ears. And there is nothing Kirk recommends stronger than Tedd Tripps book and teaching series "Shepherding a Child's Heart".



One of the outstanding things about Tedd Tripp is that he does such a great job of expounding biblically on the taboo subject of spanking children. Here is an interview with Tedd on Way of the Master Radio where he discusses the issue of biblical spanking/discipline with host Todd Friel. The interview starts about 20 minutes into the program. Click here to download it.

I think this sacred cow has now been totally carved up!

Pro 13:24 Whoever spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is diligent to discipline him.

Go On To Episode 3
Go Back To Episode 1

Why God's Law Must Thunder from the Pulpit (Part 1)

Recently I did a post called "Amusing Grace" where I discussed the futility of trying to preach about God's grace without unpacking the issue of sin. Grace by definition is unmerited favor and without explaining sin people will never grasp why God's favor is unmerited (ie they don't deserve it) and why they need God's grace. It is the knowledge of our depravity that goes a long way towards making grace truly amazing.

I John 3:4 gives us the biblical definition of sin "Whosoever committeth sin transgresseth also the law: for sin is the transgression of the law". So if sin is the breaking (or transgressing) of God's laws then it follows that you would need to explain God's law to at least some extent in order to bring home the reality of sin and how serious it really is. Also, if repentance is necessary in order to receive salvation then it is God's moral law that brings the realisation of exactly what we need to repent of.

The word "law" is a hot button among many evangelicals and is prone to produce knee jerk comments such as legalism, works righteousness, and old covenant. But are these labels reasonable or are they actually sweeping something crucial under the carpet.

To be continued Monday - Why God's Law Must Thunder from the Pulpit - Part 2

Go On To Part 2