Random Stuff for the Week of 11/18-11-24 :: Special Music Edition

* Joe Carter (Evangelical Outpost) has recently shared what he considers to be the best 99 songs that classify for the "Christian" genre. Can anyone guess that the #1 Christian song is??? Yep - you guessed it - "I Can Only Imagine." * "Indelible Grace IV: Beams of Heaven" is now available @ Indelible Grace. Other CD's such as "For all the Saints: Indelible Grace III" and "Pilgrim Days: Indelible Grace II." Indelible Grace is connected with RUF (Reformed University Fellowship), Belmont University, and Christ Community Church (PCA) (Franklin, TN). * Keith and Kristyn Getty are incredible songwriters and worship leaders. They have written popular worship hymns such as "In Christ Alone" and "The Power of the Cross." At Getty Music, you will find the latest news of new albums, tour information, and a really cool section called "Insight" where you can read about the story behind the hymns. Their recent album, "New Irish Hymns 4" would be well worth your money if you are looking for new, fresh, God-centered hymns. * The Song "Only Jesus" written by Marc Heinrich is available online in MP3 form along with PDF documents of lead sheets and chord charts. (HT: Justin Taylor) * A friend showed me a very interesting site called Sermon Jams. Here is their description of the purpose of the site: This ministry is designed to provide a format of solid biblical sermons in a medium that is relevant for the current generation. Our desire is to promote a reverence and passion for the supremacy of Jesus Christ and His Kingdom. You can download MP3 sermon clips from the likes of John Piper, Alistair Begg, and Ravi Zacharias. They also provide their doctrinal statement as well as some short-term goals for the future. * Tim Challies has recently posted a lengthy interview with Derek Webb about various matters like his new album Mockingbird, social justice, doctrine, Don Miller, good books, and of course, music. Challies' interview is divided into Part One and Part Two. Also, Challies has some previous correspondence that would be worth reading. * A bit different in style and form is the creative music of Cross Movement. If you think hip-hop and rap is "off the devil" (a la Momma Boucher complex), then this is definitely not for you. But if you or someone you know enjoys hip-hop or upbeat music (I listen to these guys when I work-out . . . whenever that is). Most "Christian" rap and hip-hop talks about the "old life" and lyrics are seriously wanting (as in other forms of Christian music). But the Cross Movement is quite contrary. I encourage you to take the time and read some of their lyrics and see for yourself. Right now, in my CD player I have the album Holy Culture, but I also enjoy Human Emergency as well. Just recently (November 15) a debut album by J.R. called Metamorphosis, an eclectic blend of hip-hop, rap, and soulful ballads, was released. Other info you might want to check out is their Statement of Faith, Mission and Vision, and 2006 Ministry Initiatives. **** Blog of the Week **** He Lives (David Heddle) Subtitled "Reformed viewsof a nuclear physicist," David Heddle daily produces posts that are both intellectually stimulating and culturally relevant. As an experienced blogger (now for over three and a half years), Heddle has written on several matters pertaining to science, doctrine, worldview, and church history. A couple of recent posts which I highly encourage you to check out are Apologetics 1 and An Apology for Apologetics. I will (Lord willing) resume and complete my "1o Reasons" why everyone should ready Dr. Tom Nettles' Ready for Reformation? by the end of next week. Classes are over. Three book reviews, one paper, and four exams await me . . . ouch! - t.n.b.