Response - Phil Wickham

A powerful God calls for powerful worship

Response

Artist: Phil Wickham (www.philwickham.com)

Label: Fairtrade Services

Length: 11 tracks/45:50 minutes

From the earliest days, expressing worship through music has been on a trajectory. You can trace it from the beginnings of Jesus Music through labels like Maranatha, Vineyard and Integrity. It will not peak until the day that Christ returns but all that has gone before has surely led us to this place.

Who knew that combining rock and worship could be so powerful? Power is sometimes associated with loud in Scripture: The God of glory thunders! Loud is not inconsistent with worship: “Praise him with sounding cymbals; praise him with loud clashing cymbals!” (Psalm 150:5 ESV, italic added). I like quiet as much as anyone, but loud is powerful. It can be an appropriate response to an all-powerful God.

This idea of response is behind Phil Wickham’s latest offering. Worship is our response to God’s revelation. Worship is personal, but Wickham makes it collective. He employs more musicians, writers and producers than on any previous projects, including the well-respected Brown Bannister as a co-producer. Wickham succeeds in creating songs that are inviting so that people will sing along.

This is a collection of tracks that are easy to get into but have depth. Wickham even waxes poetic as on “Sun & Moon”: “If you are the sun, I want to be the moon / I want to reflect the light that shines from you / And if this is war, then I’m gonna draw my sword / This time I know what I am fighting for.”

Modern worship can be narrow in scope, but I appreciate the subtle diversity found in both the lyrics and music. For example, how often do you find a song about joy (“Joy”), a response to all that God has done? The focus of the next track is all about there being but one God (“One God”).

It may be typical of the genre, but the yearning for God and recognition that He is all we need is movingly evoked. Thankfully, the focus is not on our lack but God’s sufficiency. There is a recognition here and elsewhere in this movement that worship is not about us but about the person of God. There is a good balance between the extolling of His attributes and the cry of our hearts to know and love Him.

The European influence in the music is felt throughout and adds a unique texture. The Edge-like guitar work, witness the opening sounds of “Heaven Fall Down,” can make it sound like Wickham is being backed by U2. You could also easily mistake this for Delirious.

Wickham is doing modern worship as well as anyone. He is among the leaders of a new generation that are declaring God’s praises.

The first single, “At Your Name (Yahweh, Yahweh)” is like a banner waving high with an anthem-like chorus accompanied by explosive guitars. A powerful God calls for powerful worship, and this song like so many on this release conveys it.

Marauder - Mickey Thomas

A slew of classic rock covers from the voice of Starship

Marauder

Artist: Mickey Thomas (www.mickeythomas.com)

Label: Gigatone

Length: 16 tracks/70:15 minutes

If you are a fan of The Beatles, you will most likely enjoy Marauder by Mickey Thomas. He covers three Beatles’ songs and one each by Paul McCartney (“Maybe I’m Amazed”) and George Harrison (“Wah Wah”). “Rain” and “Across the Universe” have more heft but retain a touch of psychedelia and have brief nods to a couple of other Beatles’ songs. “Rain” is one of the best cuts. “Oh! Darling” is pushed further toward the ‘50’s sound that it was intended to honor. Like several songs it has some brass accompaniment. The piano runs on “Maybe I’m Amazed” are a delight. The notes are pristine.

In this collection, much of it classic rock but also containing more recent hits, Thomas faithfully recreates the originals while enhancing them in subtle ways. One that changes a little more is the opening “Gimme Shelter,” which is given a swampy blues treatment. It is decidedly acoustic but still has plenty of grit and works well.

One of the most poignant moments is Snow Patrol’s “Chasing Cars.” Thomas sings it beautifully making it as moving as ever.

He consistently shows his versatility in being able to sing in a variety of styles. You could call him a musical marauder for being able to plunder different genres and making them work. On the longest track, Oasis’ “Champagne Supernova,” he is in the anthem rock mode. Whether it is ballads, pop or singing to heavier accompaniment as on “Supermassive Black Hole” and “Voices,” he does it well.  

One advantage of a collection like this is that you get songs you might not have in your library. Here you get two solid back to back classics, Leon Russell’s “Delta Lady,” made famous by Joe Cocker, and Bob Seeger’s “Hollywood Nights.” The changes are slight making these likeable substitutes if you don’t have the originals. Thomas does such an admirable job that you can almost forget that these are covers.

Thomas is best known as the voice behind Elvin Bishop’s “Fooled Around and Fell in Love,” and the Jefferson Starship/Starship hits “We Built This City on Rock and Roll,” “Sara” and “Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now.” Though nothing here quite matches the emotional intensity achieved on those heights, Thomas’ voice is strong, and these are interesting and fun versions, which makes for enjoyable listening. Beatles’ fans in particular can be thankful for such fab versions of their songs, and all of these tributes are tastefully done. Praise is due for mostly strong song selection and the excellent support from long-time friend, producer, keyboardist and ace guitarist Jeff Tamelier. 

Saying Grace - Geoff Moore

Moore continues his solo career with some of his best work.

Saying Grace

Artist: Geoff Moore (http://www.geoffmoore.com)

Label: Simpleville Music 

Length: 10 tracks/41:43 minutes

I never knew Geoff Moore during his days of fronting The Distance, but I am glad to know him now. Aside from appreciating the music, my fondness for verse is rewarded on Saying Grace. As on his last outing, Speak to Me (2007), he offers seasoned perspectives on life. On “The Story of Love,” he wonders about his legacy, recognizing that his best moments are beyond his control, “Cause the sweetest moments of my life appear unexpectedly / And the reason they take my breath away have nothing to do with me.” Gentle wisdom like this is sprinkled throughout these ten songs.

This perspective is hard won, coming with age and the unexpected. But far from being morbid, Moore looks with hope toward that day when it will be over: “And when the sun finally sets / May I be free of all regrets.” He then emphasizes, “No regrets.” He may be reminding himself, but it is also something that he wants listeners to get. He reminds us too on “Loved” that God’s love for us never changes. It is constant, whether we rise up or fall down. Not even our worse days can separate us from it.  

Moore’s sentiments are alternately adorned with folk/pop styles and rock; the latter hearkening back to the days of his former band. A case of the latter is “The Long Way,” where the music complements the sense of abandon. It opens with, “How ’bout we empty out our pockets / How ’bout we cut a few strings / I think a lighter load might be what this journey needs.” The verses on this track are consistently good, one of my favorites being, “But I’ve discovered when I am honest / That’s when my faith is most alive.”

Whether he rocks or sings like a lone troubadour, the execution is excellent. I find him most compelling when he leans toward Americana. This is where his musings run the deepest. Plus, there are lovely accents like mandolin and pedal steel. Don’t be put off by thought of the latter. The twang is absent, and when employed it is beautifully blended. In general, this release has a judicious mix of electric and acoustic elements.    

“The Wonder of Kindness” is one of the most intriguing tracks. Is Moore singing of human or divine kindness or both? Is the care of others reflective or an extension of God’s consolation? Regardless, it is Moore at his most tender and delicate. Once again the mood is expertly conveyed not only in the words but the music.

Moore ends quietly with “Made to Love,” a song of worship. The keyboard-driven, pensive melody frames the chorus: “I was made to love You / I know this for sure / And as surely as I love You / I know this is what I was created for.”

Seasoned artists like Moore are often not at the height of their popularity, which is unfortunate, since they have the maturity that comes with experience. Here he is reflective, but also energetic. Moore is a songwriter and musician who should not be overlooked. Saying Grace is time well-spent. 

Telling Time - Tanya Godsey

Godsey shows that if you leave room for God, He still writes the best stories.

Telling Time

Artist: Tanya Godsey (www.tanyagodsey.com)

Label: Independent

Length: 10 tracks/45:35 minutes

The artistry in Tanya Godsey’s Telling Time sets it apart. It is a thoughtful engagement with life befitting a Christian artist. Truth and grace, struggle and hope are expressed in subtle but rewarding ways. Some of these treasures were gained in the darkness, which gives them more luster. The excellence found throughout adds to the beauty and makes this a pleasure to hear.  

Godsey deserves credit for great writing, which includes a few co-writes. She also gets the best possible support with musicians like Jerry McPherson, Blair Masters and Chris Donohue, studio players with long resumes. It helps too when you have Scott and Christine Dente of Out of the Grey and Chris Rodriquez singing background vocals. Scott Dente also plays acoustic guitar and shares the producer credit with Ken Lewis. Together they are known as Global Genius Productions.

The concept of story played a part in this release. In the fall of 2009, Godsey and her husband Jake read Donald Miller’s A Thousand Miles in a Million Years, which suggests that the elements in a great story also make for a well-lived life. Overcoming adversity to attain something is a familiar theme in the best dramas. Thankful for their comfortable life, but challenged by Miller’s thoughts, Godsey and her husband began praying for opportunities to live a better story not knowing what would come. A series of circumstances reinforced her calling to music but it also included a time of sickness, suffering and loss. It’s where lines like the following in “How to Be Thankful” come from: “Before I go to face my father's graves oh I pray ... Your storms would stay ... till they take what they came for ... take what You came for ... is this what you came for ... well take what you came for.” That maturity, which wants God to accomplish His purpose in the storm, informs the lyrics on this release.

The same confidence is found in the music. The opening “White Page” with its warm piano notes and snappy production sounds like a Top 40 song. It was the fourth track, “Daylight,” that took me by surprise. The tension in the stanzas is beautifully resolved on the chorus. Here and on the title track she sounds a little country, reminding me of Susan Ashton.

This release brings a new sound to the Christian market. The style and production is on par with the best mainstream recordings. You could hear these songs on the radio and not know they were by a Christian artist unless you were paying close attention to the lyrics. Ironically, there is more depth here than releases that have more explicit spiritual references.

There is not a bad song in the bunch. Hopefully, this will get the attention that it deserves even though Godsey is not well known and her last release, Nothing Less Than Everything (2005), was six years ago. If she qualifies, she deserves consideration for best new artist.

Godsey’s life experiences have given her plenty to share. No blank white page here. God has written some precious things that she shares in way that will appeal to a broad spectrum of people. 

Lutheran Theology - Steven D. Paulson

Martin Luther’s theology discerns between law and gospel.

Lutheran Theology

Author: Steven D. Paulson

Publisher: T & T Clark International (www.continuumbooks.com)

Pages: 292

The emphasis on our standing before God makes Lutheran Theology by Steven D. Paulson a significant book. “Luther said the ‘sum and substance,’ of Paul’s letter to the Romans ‘is to pull down, to pluck up, and to destroy all wisdom and righteousness of the flesh’” (1). Paulson goes on to state: “The second task of all theology is to make way for a completely foreign, new righteousness that has no law in it at all―‘we must be taught a righteousness that comes completely from the outside and is foreign. And therefore our own righteousness that is born in us must first be plucked up’” (2). The goal or meaning of life becomes a person, Christ (3). It goes beyond just imitating Christ. “It is a new life outside the legal scheme without law at all. It means to have a new life outside one’s self who is dead according to the law, and in Christ exclusively” (3).

Paulson goes on to make a valuable point: “The key to any theology, especially done the Lutheran way, is to ask what role the law plays in its system” (4). Distinguishing between law and gospel is a major theme in this book, which is organized as a commentary on the book of Romans. The focus is on key verses and ideas rather than a verse-by-verse explanation, which Paulson elucidates from a Lutheran perspective. Even so, 

Paulson’s outstanding scholarship makes this a unique and valuable commentary. His breadth of knowledge is evident in frequent references to historical events, the writing of others, and his understanding of Scripture.

In relation to the latter, he is not afraid of controversy. Chapter 1 starts with the appropriate subtitle, “The Bombshell.” Predestination is central to Lutheran theology. “There is no free will, no choice, no decision, no acknowledgement, acceptance or any other verb you could try to give the human in relation to the Creator” (20). Presumably, this thought is drawn in part from Luther’s famous book on the subject, The Bondage of the Will.

Along with this idea, when the author repeatedly states that “everything happens by divine necessity,” (19) he not only puts a potential stumbling block before readers, he leaves me wondering how that relates to tragic events that occur. Does this mean that God was behind the terrible events of 9/11? As learned as Paulson may be and as skillful as he is with the Scriptures, I cannot help wondering about a doctrine that seems to imply that God causes horrific events. As controversial as this may be, it is educational to see Paulson’s defense of this teaching and to consider what is true. If you can get past this, there is much to appreciate in Paulson’s thought, but this doctrine is foundational to what he teaches in the rest of the book.

Though Paulson might in some ways be wrong on the issue, I appreciate how often his insights go deeper than what you typically find in churches, Bible studies and popular Christian books. Consider his thoughts about what Luther learned about faith: “Luther had discovered what made humans human―it was not thought, or will, or even love; it was faith alone. He learned that the heart is not made for itself; it is made to go outside itself and cling to that which speaks to the heart. Humans are therefore ‘hearing’ creatures whose heart is always clinging to some word or other. Unfortunately, words from the preacher are easily drowned out by other voices, and especially imaginary voices of what one sees or feels internally. Faith alone is what justifies us, but faith is never a virtue or attitude of a person, or some instrument or power which the person possesses. Faith goes outside itself, since faith requires something to believe in, and that something is God’s word as a promise―or else what faith grasps ends up being an accusing law” (57).

Typically, Luther is associated with thoughts like these and in particular the idea of being made right with God through faith. Reading this book helped me to realize how much more there is to Luther. His depth of insight is evident as Paulson walks us through Luther’s thought in relation to the entire book of Romans. 

Paulson points out that Luther recognized that God’s faithfulness is central to Romans. “For Luther the key teaching in Paul’s letter to the Romans is the certainty of faith. Faith is certain precisely because it is not a power of humans, but depends upon God’s faithfulness to the promise―precisely while the recipients are unfaithful. Hope does not yet see its glory, but faith already has Christ so salvation is secured in re―in fact” (220).

Lutheran theology is a theology of the Word. “The preached Word makes the church, which word is solely authorized by the law and promises of Scripture. Justification and church depend utterly on God’s faithfulness to that Word: ‘That thou mayest be justified in Thy words (deum justificare)’” (238). This is why Lutherans view the office of preacher as the highest in the church.

It is also why preaching is foremost in the signs of a true church: “Signs of (a) true church are therefore all acts of preaching: sermons that distinguish between law and gospel, baptism, Lord’s Supper, Absolution, the calling of a public minister from among the Royal priesthood, and suffering for the gospel―the exact opposite of any sign of glory or power in the world” (239). I appreciate the thought that suffering is the norm for this life (exaltation comes in the next), which challenges believers to cling to the promises despite seeing evidence that would seem contrary to them.

Lutheran Theology is but one in a series of books. The other titles and authors in the series are as follows:

Catholic Theology – Matthew Levering

Anglican Theology – Mark Chapman

Reformed Theology – Michael Allen

Methodist Theology – Kenneth Wilson

Baptist Theology – Stephen Holmes

If this book is indicative of the scholarship in the series, any of these volumes would be worth reading. 

N. T. Wright for Everyone Bible Study Guides: Luke

Let one of the world’s finest theologians lead you in a study of Luke.

N. T. Wright for Everyone Bible Study Guides

Luke: 26 Studies for Individuals and Groups

Author: N. T. Wright with Patty Pell

Publisher: IVP Connect

Pages: 142

One of my earliest memories as a new Christian was answering questions in a bible study book. Back in the late seventies, branding of popular Christian authors was not what it is today where you have a multitude of bible studies tied to high-profile Christians. Nevertheless, my plain-looking booklet, covering the basics of the Christian life, accomplished the same purpose as its fancier modern-day relatives. It forced me to read and ponder the texts of Scripture that I might know and apply the meaning.

I wonder how many make use of this kind of resource? Most of the teaching we get is given to us without requiring much effort on our part. The potential payback of using a bible study guide is high. Finding truth through your own diligent study is meaningful and memorable. There is joy in discovery, and thoughts of what you learn linger.

Today there are a host of competent study guides that can be chosen. Each one will have some of the author’s distinctives, which is not necessarily bad but something to keep in mind. No person’s judgment is infallible. It is helpful, however, to learn from an experienced teacher, recognizing that what they see or highlight might be different from another teacher. This is why it can be beneficial to go through a study with others and even consult additional resources like a bible dictionary or commentary. It can serve to more fully bring out the meaning and possible applications of a text.

N. T. Wright’s Luke as the subtitle indicates is appropriate for individuals and groups. Each of the 26 studies starts with a creative open designed by Wright to get the reader thinking along the lines of the lesson. This is followed by a study section that includes questions and space for writing answers. Like a modern-day scribe, his questions lead readers to new discoveries. Along the way he interjects small bits of commentary. As a practical consideration, it may be easier to use a notebook or legal pad for writing and taking notes. Suggestions for prayer close each study.

Those who appreciate Wright’s ability to convey the larger picture will not be disappointed. His kingdom perspective that rightly sees Christ and His salvation as the continuation of one long story is an influence. Wright’s interest in how Scripture relates to history and social justice is also felt.

Wright has studies covering most of the New Testament books with the last four study guides forthcoming.

You can’t go wrong with a resource like this. If you can appreciate the scholarship of one of the finest theologians of our day, avail yourself of this or one of his other studies. It is helpful to let a favorite author, minister or teacher lead you in a study of Scripture.

Message in a Body - Joseph Anfuso

A life lived on the forward edge

Message in a Body (www.messageinabody.com)
Author: Joseph Anfuso

Publisher: Pediment Publishing

Pages: 247

The much-loved Baptist minister and prolific author, F. W. Boreham, wrote, “The man whose biography is not worth writing has never yet been born.” While I agree with the sentiment, most people will probably never get past the thought of such an undertaking. I do not want to discourage anyone from the attempt, myself included, but few can tell their story as eloquently as Boreham in My Pilgrimage. In Message in a Body, Joseph Anfuso approaches that rare company. He provides a beautiful account of his life and in the process imparts grace to the reader. 

It is a gift that is hard to resist. I was well into another book when I started Message in a Body. The former was no small source of pleasure, but once I began Anfuso’s book, it quickly became a contest, each vying for my attention. They both seemed to beckon from the table, “Choose me.” Wanting to be fair-minded, I determined to give them equal time. But my resolve began to wither as the Anfuso book drew even and then quickly overtook the other. Seeing that the race was lost, I gave in to the delight of reading Message and finished it in a matter of days.

I had forgotten how inspiring a biography could be. I frequently read and delight in books on doctrine and theology, but this reminded me of the pleasure that comes from reading a salvation story. It recalls an incident in the life of the famous London preacher, C. H. Spurgeon. Let me quote from his own words, “‘Leaving home early in the morning,’ he says, ‘I went to the vestry and sat there all day long, seeing those who had been brought to Christ by my preaching of the Word. Their stories were so absorbing to me that the hours fled without my noticing how fast they were going. I may have seen some thirty or more persons during the day, one after the other, and I was so delighted with the tales of divine mercy they had to tell me, and the wonders of grace God had wrought in them, that I did not know anything about the passage of time.’” “Their stories were so absorbing,” Spurgeon said. Similarly, I was fascinated by Anfuso’s journey to find the truth. It was so engrossing that I continually looked forward to reading it. It was like discovering a lost treasure.

I marveled at Anfuso’s quest. He was genuinely searching, and even references those named in the following lines from The Who song, “The Seeker”: 

I asked Bobby Dylan
I asked The Beatles
I asked Timothy Leary
But he couldn't help me either

They call me The Seeker
I've been searching low and high

Such was Anfuso’s earnestness and futility that this song could serve as a soundtrack for part of his life. The hours fled as Spurgeon found himself lost in tales of divine mercy. The pages flew by as I lost myself in one seeker’s journey toward the truth.

This story is told with remarkable honesty and grace. Those who have a hard time with organized religion will have no trouble relating. This is someone who resisted the idea of Jesus being the only way. You could say he was determined to discover that there was more than one way to God.

Anfuso provides just the right amount of detail. It never becomes sordid, and Anfuso is charitable in his outlook toward others and the events that transpired. He never casts a shadow on other people.

I can even see God’s hand in the timing of this publication. If Anfuso had his way, this would have been published shortly after his conversion to Christ. Had that happened the story would have been incomplete because the latter part of the book chronicles the formation of Forward Edge International (www.forwardedge.org/), a ministry that he founded, which is changing our world one life at a time.

Originally, geared toward short-term mission’s mobilization, Forward Edge has expanded to “long-term, need-meeting” projects. In fact, the book opens with the compelling saga of how one long-term project with a far-reaching impact began to take shape. I was immediately captivated by unbelievable squalor but borne along by the hope that pervades this volume.

This reviewer had more than a little interest in this volume because of my experience with the author and his ministry. I had the privilege of going on one of the first Forward Edge teams. My group went to Birmingham, England to participate in the Billy Graham Mission England outreach in 1984. For one week we worked with a local church inviting people to come. The week of the meetings we rode on a bus with those who came to hear Graham. The third week of our trip was a trek through the rest of the UK. I am grateful for the opportunity that this gave me to explore my interest in missions. Without reservation, I recommend Forward Edge for any who are looking for an opportunity to invest their time, talents or treasure in projects that are making a difference.

Lastly, the title of this book intrigued me. Having lived with Anfuso through part of his story—for many years I was part of a home fellowship group that he led in a church that we attended―I thought it had something to do with the importance of being involved in a community of believers. As foundational as that is in his life, the title refers to Anfuso’s lifelong battle with feelings of inferiority that stem in part from his smaller stature as compared to his twin brother, Francis. God used this difference and his subsequent struggles to repeatedly affirm his love for Joseph at critical junctures and as a means of communicating His call for Joseph to be a servant.

One of my fondest memories of Anfuso is the humility that he exhibited in his teaching and leading of worship in our home group, often opening by gently strumming his guitar, humming the melody, and beginning to pray and/or sing as we all joined in. Until recently connecting through Facebook, it had been more than 20 years since I had contact with Anfuso and his wife, Karen, but I know from years spent in close proximity, they are humble servants of the church.

By the way, this isn’t just a story of God’s pursuit of a man who sought to resist the claims of Christ. It’s also a beautiful love story of how God brought Joseph and Karen together. I relished that part, especially since I met them shortly after they married. I enjoy learning how couples meet, and Anfuso wonderfully recounts the budding and blossoming of their love.

This is a story that I did not want to end, and thankfully, it continues on in the work of Forward Edge and in the lives of the Anfuso family. In Christ, we are part of a never-ending story. There will always be more to tell, and I imagine that throughout eternity we will be absorbed in the wonder of God’s marvelous salvation. In the meantime, I will be delighted if Anfuso puts pen to paper again to tell more of the extraordinary things that God is doing through ordinary people. Even if he never does, he invites us to write our own story by living life on the forward edge.