Each week (give or take one here and there) I share three things I like – It could be a book, a movie, a podcast, an album, a photo, an article, a restaurant, a food item, a beverage, or anything else I simply enjoy and think you might too. You can find a whole pile of things, especially books, I like and recommend HERE.
1. Volume 1 (Live): The Precious Love of Christ
I don’t listen to CCM and most of the worship produced for the masses is charitably called “fluffy pop.” (There are less charitable descriptions that are more accurate and specific.) I do, however, love when churches write and produce worship music because it’s actually, you know, worship music. It’s even better when your own church does it, and today Immanuel Nashville‘s worship ministry has released their first album, The Precious Love of Christ. In Nashville, being that it’s a city full of musicians, it is common to find gifted artists leading music at churches. I’ve found that it’s much less common to find people who love Jesus deeply, love to worship, are gifted leaders, and can write/arrange songs beautifully leading at churches. We have those in spades at Immanuel and this album reflects that. I especially love tracks 5 and 8, but the whole album is great. Check it out.
2. On Writing Well by William Zinsser
My favorite book on writing is Stephen King’s On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft, but Zinsser’s book might be the best in terms of helping a writer get better. As a prolific writer of many genres and styles and on many subjects, Zinsser brings all his considerable knowledge and effort to bear in this book. It is practical, pointed, and lays out clear examples of both excellent and poor writing. It is the kind of book that is enjoyable to read for people who love the craft of writing but is helpful to read for anyone who has to do any writing. It is excellent and should be revisited often.
3. Singleness and the Gospel – a sermon by Sam Allberry
Last Sunday Sam Allberry preached at our church on “Singleness and the Gospel.” It was fantastic. He has a rare way of clearly framing things in a biblical perspective so that misconceptions are erased and truth and hope shine clearer. This kind of preaching leads to conviction and correction by invitation and discovery rather than aggression. This is a message for single people and for married people – the whole church – and is well worth your time.
