POPULARITY
More Than a Song - Discovering the Truth of Scripture Hidden in Today's Popular Christian Music
Send us a textWhat happens when you change one word in the title of a classic Christmas hymn? A new perspective and a fresh reason to dive into Scripture. This week's song, “O Come, All You Unfaithful” by Sovereign Grace Music, invites us to consider the people God included in the Christmas story—and how we are just like them.This song flips the script on who is invited to come and see what God has done. Instead of calling the faithful to gather in celebration, it beckons the weary, the broken, and the unfaithful—the ones who feel disqualified. That single word change in the title opens the door for us to explore the heart of God revealed in Scripture: a God who draws near to the weak and the waiting, the guilty and the hiding, and offers hope through Christ's birth.Key PointsThe opening line of this song—“O come, all you unfaithful”—offers a perspective shift worth exploring.The lyrics list characteristics that mirror real people in the Christmas narrative: Weak and unstableBarrenWaitingWeary of prayingBitter and brokenFears unspokenGuiltyHidingGod included these kinds of people in His redemption story—and He invites us too.Hosea's prophecy reminds us of God's faithfulness despite our unfaithfulness.We are unfaithful until we are redeemed by the Faithful One—Jesus.Scriptures ReferencedMatthew 1–2 and Luke 1–2 (Christmas narrative)Luke 1:5–7; 11–20 (Zechariah and Elizabeth)Luke 2:8–9; 25; 38 (Shepherds, Simeon, and Anna)Matthew 1:18–20; 24 (Joseph's obedience)James 2:5 (God chooses the poor)Hosea 2:16–20; 6:3; 6:6–7 (God's steadfast love and faithfulness)BITEs (Bible Interaction Tool Exercises)Read in context—Matthew 1–2 and Luke 1–2Read aloud—alone or with a friendShare with a friend—Share Scripture with someone over coffee and Christmas cookiesCompare and contrast—Compare and contrast God's faithfulness with the faithlessness of His people in Hosea's prophecy Remember, the people in Scripture were real—just like usAdditional ResourcesDownload the free Episode GuideLyrics - New Release TodayBible Interaction Roadmap Bible Study - videos and assignments that will equip you with habits you can use over and over in your own Bible Study - Learn MoreLearn more about my favorite Bible Study Software with a 30-day free trial and links to my favorite Bible resources - Logos Bible Software Affiliate LinkThis Week's ChallengeRead Matthew 1-2 and Luke 1-2. I suggest reading the text aloud alone or with a friend. The story is familiar, and this habit will slow you down. Download the Episode Guide for a list of the human characteristics featured in our song, and look for these characteristics in the real people featured in the Christmas narrative. Read the prophecy of Hosea and compare and contrast the faithfulness of God to the unfaithfulness of His people. ThePurchase your copy of A Seat at the Table today! Change your music. Change your life. Join my free 30-Day Music Challenge. CLICK HERE.
Get updates: https://www.markkprater.comMark Prater serves as Executive Director of Sovereign Grace Churches, a community of congregations built on strong commitments, faithful theological convictions, and generous support. Mark uses this channel to encourage and equip the leaders he serves in local churches around the world.Find us at https://www.markkprater.com
This is the final interview in a new Crossway Podcast mini-series called "Hymn Stories," where Matt interviews modern hymn writers and musicians about their hymns, all of which are featured in the brand new 'Sing! Hymnal,' published by Crossway in partnership with Getty Music. Bob Kauflin is the director of Sovereign Grace Music, and spends his time equipping pastors and musicians in the theology and practice of congregational worship. He also serves as a pastor at Sovereign Grace Church in Louisville, Kentucky. He was also a contributor to the 'Sing! Hymnal.' Check out the entire Hymn Stories series: "His Mercy Is More" (Matt Boswell & Matt Papa) Apple | Spotify "We Will Feast in the House of Zion" (Sandra McCracken) Apple | Spotify " Come Unto Jesus" (Laura Story & Jordan Kauflin) Apple | Spotify "Listen to the Word of the Lord" (Bryan Fowler) Apple | Spotify "Is He Worthy?" (Ben Shive) Apple | Spotify If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to leave us a review, which helps us spread the word about the show.
“We Give Thanks”; Music and words by Jon Althoff and Marc Willerton © 2022 Sovereign Grace Worship/ASCAP (administrated by Integrity Music). Sovereign Grace Music, a division of Sovereign Grace Churches. All rights reserved.
“We Give Thanks”; Music and words by Jon Althoff and Marc Willerton © 2022 Sovereign Grace Worship/ASCAP (administrated by Integrity Music). Sovereign Grace Music, a division of Sovereign Grace Churches. All rights reserved.
“We Give Thanks”; Music and words by Jon Althoff and Marc Willerton © 2022 Sovereign Grace Worship/ASCAP (administrated by Integrity Music). Sovereign Grace Music, a division of Sovereign Grace Churches. All rights reserved.
“We Give Thanks”; Music and words by Jon Althoff and Marc Willerton © 2022 Sovereign Grace Worship/ASCAP (administrated by Integrity Music). Sovereign Grace Music, a division of Sovereign Grace Churches. All rights reserved.
“We Give Thanks”; Music and words by Jon Althoff and Marc Willerton © 2022 Sovereign Grace Worship/ASCAP (administrated by Integrity Music). Sovereign Grace Music, a division of Sovereign Grace Churches. All rights reserved.
“We Give Thanks”; Music and words by Jon Althoff and Marc Willerton © 2022 Sovereign Grace Worship/ASCAP (administrated by Integrity Music). Sovereign Grace Music, a division of Sovereign Grace Churches. All rights reserved.
“We Give Thanks”; Music and words by Jon Althoff and Marc Willerton © 2022 Sovereign Grace Worship/ASCAP (administrated by Integrity Music). Sovereign Grace Music, a division of Sovereign Grace Churches. All rights reserved.
“We Give Thanks”; Music and words by Jon Althoff and Marc Willerton © 2022 Sovereign Grace Worship/ASCAP (administrated by Integrity Music). Sovereign Grace Music, a division of Sovereign Grace Churches. All rights reserved.
“Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.” – James 1:27 (ESV) You've probably heard this verse if you've ever been to an adoption or foster care training, attended a conference that discussed child welfare, or even just sat through your fair share of sermons. The message of this verse couldn't be clearer: God cares deeply about the most vulnerable, and we should too! My guests for this conversation know all about this calling and are here to talk about what it can look like in practice. David and Julie Zimmer have been married for 15 years and are parents to four children together—three by birth and one through foster care. David is the Head of Production and Promotion at Sovereign Grace Music in Louisville, KY. Julie volunteers at BSide U 4 Life, a local pregnancy care center in downtown Louisville, where she supports vulnerable families by offering childcare to parents attending GED, parenting, and Bible classes. David and Julie are passionate about foster care and dedicated to standing in the gap for children and families in need. In this episode, you'll hear about the emotional challenges that come along with fostering, the importance of investing in your marriage, the necessity of acknowledging our limitations, and much more. Find resources mentioned and more in the show notes for this episode: https://theforgotteninitiative.org/david-julie-zimmer-274/
“We Give Thanks”; Music and words by Jon Althoff and Marc Willerton © 2022 Sovereign Grace Worship/ASCAP (administrated by Integrity Music). Sovereign Grace Music, a division of Sovereign Grace Churches. All rights reserved.
“We Give Thanks”; Music and words by Jon Althoff and Marc Willerton © 2022 Sovereign Grace Worship/ASCAP (administrated by Integrity Music). Sovereign Grace Music, a division of Sovereign Grace Churches. All rights reserved.
“We Give Thanks”; Music and words by Jon Althoff and Marc Willerton © 2022 Sovereign Grace Worship/ASCAP (administrated by Integrity Music). Sovereign Grace Music, a division of Sovereign Grace Churches. All rights reserved.
Join us for a conversation with Bob Kauflin, the Director of Sovereign Grace Music. Check out the Southeast Worship conference in Nashville: https://SEworship.eventbrite.com
https://hub.emmausroadsf.com/blog/2023/4/10/considerations-regarding-contraception“We Give Thanks”; Music and words by Jon Althoff and Marc Willerton © 2022 Sovereign Grace Worship/ASCAP (administrated by Integrity Music). Sovereign Grace Music, a division of Sovereign Grace Churches. All rights reserved.
Listener Discretion Advised.“We Give Thanks”; Music and words by Jon Althoff and Marc Willerton © 2022 Sovereign Grace Worship/ASCAP (administrated by Integrity Music). Sovereign Grace Music, a division of Sovereign Grace Churches. All rights reserved.
“We Give Thanks”; Music and words by Jon Althoff and Marc Willerton © 2022 Sovereign Grace Worship/ASCAP (administrated by Integrity Music). Sovereign Grace Music, a division of Sovereign Grace Churches. All rights reserved.
“We Give Thanks”; Music and words by Jon Althoff and Marc Willerton © 2022 Sovereign Grace Worship/ASCAP (administrated by Integrity Music). Sovereign Grace Music, a division of Sovereign Grace Churches. All rights reserved.
Get updates: https://www.markkprater.comMark Prater serves as Executive Director of Sovereign Grace Churches, a community of congregations built on strong commitments, faithful theological convictions, and generous support. Mark uses this channel to encourage and equip the leaders he serves in local churches around the world.Find us at https://www.markkprater.com
“We Give Thanks”; Music and words by Jon Althoff and Marc Willerton © 2022 Sovereign Grace Worship/ASCAP (administrated by Integrity Music). Sovereign Grace Music, a division of Sovereign Grace Churches. All rights reserved.
“We Give Thanks”; Music and words by Jon Althoff and Marc Willerton © 2022 Sovereign Grace Worship/ASCAP (administrated by Integrity Music). Sovereign Grace Music, a division of Sovereign Grace Churches. All rights reserved.
“We Give Thanks”; Music and words by Jon Althoff and Marc Willerton © 2022 Sovereign Grace Worship/ASCAP (administrated by Integrity Music). Sovereign Grace Music, a division of Sovereign Grace Churches. All rights reserved.
“We Give Thanks”; Music and words by Jon Althoff and Marc Willerton © 2022 Sovereign Grace Worship/ASCAP (administrated by Integrity Music). Sovereign Grace Music, a division of Sovereign Grace Churches. All rights reserved.
“We Give Thanks”; Music and words by Jon Althoff and Marc Willerton © 2022 Sovereign Grace Worship/ASCAP (administrated by Integrity Music). Sovereign Grace Music, a division of Sovereign Grace Churches. All rights reserved.
“We Give Thanks”; Music and words by Jon Althoff and Marc Willerton © 2022 Sovereign Grace Worship/ASCAP (administrated by Integrity Music). Sovereign Grace Music, a division of Sovereign Grace Churches. All rights reserved.
“We Give Thanks”; Music and words by Jon Althoff and Marc Willerton © 2022 Sovereign Grace Worship/ASCAP (administrated by Integrity Music). Sovereign Grace Music, a division of Sovereign Grace Churches. All rights reserved.
“We Give Thanks”; Music and words by Jon Althoff and Marc Willerton © 2022 Sovereign Grace Worship/ASCAP (administrated by Integrity Music). Sovereign Grace Music, a division of Sovereign Grace Churches. All rights reserved.
“We Give Thanks”; Music and words by Jon Althoff and Marc Willerton © 2022 Sovereign Grace Worship/ASCAP (administrated by Integrity Music). Sovereign Grace Music, a division of Sovereign Grace Churches. All rights reserved.
“We Give Thanks”; Music and words by Jon Althoff and Marc Willerton © 2022 Sovereign Grace Worship/ASCAP (administrated by Integrity Music). Sovereign Grace Music, a division of Sovereign Grace Churches. All rights reserved.
“We Give Thanks”; Music and words by Jon Althoff and Marc Willerton © 2022 Sovereign Grace Worship/ASCAP (administrated by Integrity Music). Sovereign Grace Music, a division of Sovereign Grace Churches. All rights reserved.
“We Give Thanks”; Music and words by Jon Althoff and Marc Willerton © 2022 Sovereign Grace Worship/ASCAP (administrated by Integrity Music). Sovereign Grace Music, a division of Sovereign Grace Churches. All rights reserved.
“We Give Thanks”; Music and words by Jon Althoff and Marc Willerton © 2022 Sovereign Grace Worship/ASCAP (administrated by Integrity Music). Sovereign Grace Music, a division of Sovereign Grace Churches. All rights reserved.
“We Give Thanks”; Music and words by Jon Althoff and Marc Willerton © 2022 Sovereign Grace Worship/ASCAP (administrated by Integrity Music). Sovereign Grace Music, a division of Sovereign Grace Churches. All rights reserved.
“We Give Thanks”; Music and words by Jon Althoff and Marc Willerton © 2022 Sovereign Grace Worship/ASCAP (administrated by Integrity Music). Sovereign Grace Music, a division of Sovereign Grace Churches. All rights reserved.
“We Give Thanks”; Music and words by Jon Althoff and Marc Willerton © 2022 Sovereign Grace Worship/ASCAP (administrated by Integrity Music). Sovereign Grace Music, a division of Sovereign Grace Churches. All rights reserved.
Send us a textThis week on the podcast, the pastors discuss why we don't sing music from Bethel (Redding, CA), Hillsong (Australia), Elevation, Jesus Culture, Gateway, and others. We start with a discussion of what the purpose of music and singing is and how we choose music for the church to sing. We hope the discussion is helpful to you.Some artists we like are Steven Curtis Chapman, Fernando Ortega, Sovereign Grace Music, Keith & Kristyn Getty, Caroline Cobb, among others. If you're unsure about an artist and want our opinion, just ask.================ We want to be a resource for you. Please send us your questions to questions@kerrvillebiblechurch.org or leave us a text or voicemail at 830-321-0349.Please share this podcast on your social media or to your mailing list. We'd appreciate your help getting the message out.================The KBC Pastors Podcast is a production of Kerrville Bible Church. The show is hosted and edited by Toby Baxley. Original theme music by Toby Baxley.Our pastors are: Lead Pastor Chris McKnight, Associate Pastor Scott Christensen, Worship Pastor Toby Baxley, and Youth & Family Pastor Murray Van Gundy.
“We Give Thanks”; Music and words by Jon Althoff and Marc Willerton © 2022 Sovereign Grace Worship/ASCAP (administrated by Integrity Music). Sovereign Grace Music, a division of Sovereign Grace Churches. All rights reserved.
“We Give Thanks”; Music and words by Jon Althoff and Marc Willerton © 2022 Sovereign Grace Worship/ASCAP (administrated by Integrity Music). Sovereign Grace Music, a division of Sovereign Grace Churches. All rights reserved.
Matt's List:- Courage, Joe Rigney- Praying with Paul, D.A. Carson- Defeating Evil, Scott Christensen- Dracula, Bram Stoker- Out of the Ashes, Anthony EsolenMatt's Honorable Mentions:- Memoirs of an Ordinary Pastor, D.A. Carson- The Wager, David Gramm- Mere Calvinism, Jim Scott Orrick- Surprised by Joy, CS LewisRyan's List:- Confessions, St. Augustine- Be Thou My Vision, Jonathan Gibson- Leadership and Emotional Sabotage, Joe Rigney- Death by Living, N.D. Wilson- A Christmas Carol, Charles Dickens“We Give Thanks”; Music and words by Jon Althoff and Marc Willerton © 2022 Sovereign Grace Worship/ASCAP (administrated by Integrity Music). Sovereign Grace Music, a division of Sovereign Grace Churches. All rights reserved.
“We Give Thanks”; Music and words by Jon Althoff and Marc Willerton © 2022 Sovereign Grace Worship/ASCAP (administrated by Integrity Music). Sovereign Grace Music, a division of Sovereign Grace Churches. All rights reserved.
“We Give Thanks”; Music and words by Jon Althoff and Marc Willerton © 2022 Sovereign Grace Worship/ASCAP (administrated by Integrity Music). Sovereign Grace Music, a division of Sovereign Grace Churches. All rights reserved.
“We Give Thanks”; Music and words by Jon Althoff and Marc Willerton © 2022 Sovereign Grace Worship/ASCAP (administrated by Integrity Music). Sovereign Grace Music, a division of Sovereign Grace Churches. All rights reserved.
Much of today's music scene and worship culture in the church prioritizes talent over character. In many churches, the ability to sing or play with excellence exceeds the need for spiritual maturity, character, and in some cases, genuine conversion. In this episode, Bob Kauflin, Devon Kauflin, and David Zimmer sit down with Costi Hinn to talk about the importance of who should be on stage to lead worship in our churches, along with practical wisdom for the “mercenary” culture of the Christian music scene.
“We Give Thanks”; Music and words by Jon Althoff and Marc Willerton © 2022 Sovereign Grace Worship/ASCAP (administrated by Integrity Music). Sovereign Grace Music, a division of Sovereign Grace Churches. All rights reserved.
Should a church turn the lights down, unleash the fog machine, and laser light the stage to help people have a more engaging worship experience? Does it matter if a worship service is presented in a trendy way? If creativity is a gift from God, should we limit how much we innovate when it comes to music and stylistic elements in a service? Does the Bible have principles we can use to govern the style of our worship services? These are important questions! In the third episode of our worship series with Sovereign Grace Music, we gain valuable wisdom on the style of a worship service.
https://www.sovereigngrace.com/2024-pastors-conference-resources“We Give Thanks”; Music and words by Jon Althoff and Marc Willerton © 2022 Sovereign Grace Worship/ASCAP (administrated by Integrity Music). Sovereign Grace Music, a division of Sovereign Grace Churches. All rights reserved.
It was John Piper who once said, "A congregation learns its theology by the songs they sing, not just by the preaching they hear.” Doctrine matters in our music, and it's vital that churches and leaders think through more than just the sound of music, and ensure that the content of the music is biblically accurate. In this episode, Sovereign Grace Music leaders Bob Kauflin, Devon Kauflin, and David Zimmer highlight that the road to heresy in the worship music industry is often paved with good intentions.
Expression in worship can often be relegated to the extremes of “emotionalism” or “stoicism.” Some argue that raising our hands in a worship service is nothing more than charismatic disorder, while others insist that if you don't cry or shout during worship you've not entered the holy of holies. In part 1 of this series on worship, Bob Kauflin, Devon Kauflin, and David Zimmer of Sovereign Grace Music sit down with Costi Hinn to think biblical about how we express ourselves in worship so that we avoid extremes and joyfully worship God in spirit and truth.