Seeds Family Worship: A Recommended Resource

Posted by Christine Pack

Fathers and mothers, are you looking for a great resource for teaching Bible verses to your children? Well, here's a no-brainer. Seeds Family Worship is a ministry out of Nashville, Tennessee that has produced eight wonderful CD's with catchy, original songs that are basically straight Scripture. The eight CDs are:

Seeds of Courage 

Seeds of Faith 

Seeds of Praise 

Seeds of Purpose

Power of Encouragement

Seeds of Character

The Character of God

Purity

And the best part? The music is really, really good. Anyone who knows me knows that I am slightly obsessed with music. As part of their schoolwork, my children sing little ditties to learn grammar and composition rules. And for some mysterious reason that I don't quite comprehend, the fact that these ditties are set to music somehow makes the rules "stick" better. Why does music act in this way on our brains? I'm sure there have been scientific studies done on this that I'm not aware of, but for myself, I'm just glad to know this fact, and pleased to have a resource that has set Scripture verses to music in such an appealing way. When my children are struggling with discouragement or sadness, or any of the myriad of struggles we humans face in this dark and dying world, I'm happy to know that, alongside Shurley Grammar rules taking up residence inside their brains, there are also many Bible verses. Amen, parents?

To hear a sampling of Seeds Family Worship, you may go to their website here, or you may watch their video (below) of Psalm 55:22, from the Power of Encouragement CD. (Just a note: Seeds Family Worship has produced only a handful of videos, so don't get too attached to the videos. The bulk of their ministry is in their audio CDs.)

Some of my favorites from the Seeds Family CDs (in no particular order) are:

■ Undivided Heart (Psalm 86:11-13, Seeds of Praise)

■ Teach Them (Deut 6:4-7, Seeds of Character)

■ Mighty To Save (Zephaniah 3:17, Seeds of Praise)

■ Walk In His Ways (Psalm 128:1, Seeds of Faith)

■ God Is Unchanging (Hebrews 13:8, The Character of God)

■ Do Not Be Anxious (Phil 4:6-7, Seeds of Courage)

■ He Humbled Himself (Phil 2:3-5, 8, Purity)

■ No Greater Love (Remain in Me) (John 15:13-14, Seeds of Faith)

■ Amen (Rev 7:10, 12, Seeds of Praise)

■ Sing Praise to Him (1 Chron 16:9-10, Seeds of Praise)

■ Listen To Me (Psalm 34:11-14, Seeds of Purpose)

■ Delight (Psalm 1, Seeds of Character)

■ If God Is For Us (Rom 8:28, 31, Seeds of Purpose)

■ God is Everlasting (Psalm 90:1-2, The Character of God)

■ Crushed (Psalm 34:18, Seeds of Courage)

■ Fishers of Men (Matthew 4:18-20, Seeds of Purpose)

■ Out of the Mud (Psalm 40:1-2, Seeds of Courage)

■ Be Still (Psalm 46:10, Seeds of Praise)

■ The Word of the Lord (1 Peter 1:24-25, Seeds of Faith)

■ Cast Your Cares (Psalm 55:22, Power of Encouragement)

■ Soar Like Eagles (Isaiah 40:29-31, Power of Encouragement)

■ Never Be Shaken (Psalm 62:1-2, Seeds of Courage)

■ God is Holy (Isaiah 6:1-3, The Character of God)

■ Delight Yourself In The Lord (Psalm 37:4-6, Seeds of Purpose) 

■ Delight Yourself In The Lord (Psalm 37:4-6, Seeds of Purpose) 

■ Be Joyful Always (1 Thess 5:16-18, Seeds of Purpose)

■ Young (1 Tim 4:12, Seeds of Courage)

■ We Trust (Psalm 20:7, The Character of God) 

 Additional Resources 

Christian Music

Finding God's Will?

Posted by Christine Pack

Have you ever heard or even believed yourself that there was a "perfect will for your life" that you somehow had to find? I believed this, as a new Christian. I was surrounded by dear and well-meaning Christians who talked a lot about "finding God's perfect will for your life," and I became very confused about what this meant. It was so distressing to me, thinking that there might be this mysterious "perfect will" somewhere "out there" that I was supposed to discern or uncover or dig for or find, like searching for buried treasure. And that perhaps I had somehow missed it, stumbled over it, gotten away from it, etc.

It was therefore a tremendous blessing for me, soon after I had become ensnared by this thinking, to find Pastor Bob DeWaay's very excellent and biblical  teaching on the topic of God's will for our lives. Bob's teaching helped me so much, and really steadied my thinking in this area. I therefore strongly encourage anyone who has been confused by this errant teaching to either read Bob's articles on the topic of God's will or listen to his Critical Issues Commentary radio programs on the same topic. Both are linked below.

Also, for those who are concerned about Bob DeWaay's health, which has been poor in the last few months, here is an update from his daughter.  Prayers for Bob and his health would be greatly appreciated.

photo credit: somebaudy via photopin cc

 Articles 

God's Will and Christian Liberty

God's Revealed Will

 Radio 

God's Will Radio Series

 Additional Resources 

Just Do Something: How to Make a Decision Without Dreams, Visions, Fleeces, Open Doors, Random Bible Verses, Casting Lots, Liver Shivers, Writing in the Sky, etc.  - by Kevin DeYoung

Just Do Something - by Kevin DeYoung (audio)

Unbiblical Teachings on Prayer and Experiencing God

Is That You Lord?: Hearing the Voice of the Lord, a Biblical Perspective (Pastor Gary Gilley)

Christian Dream Interpretation?

Most Repeated Word...."Baby"

Posted by Christine Pack

TRANSCRIPTION: (sexy music playing) "Hey, baby. Did you think I forgot? I didn't forget. How could I ever forget our anniversary? All these years. So many people said we'd never make it. They've been trying to tear us apart. Take you away. Put limits on you...on me.....on us. (laughter) But every time we've proven ourselves stronger. An anniversary like this is not something that you forget, no, no, no, no, baby. It is something that you fight for. And that's exactly what I'm gonna do, baby.....fight. A few of us.....well, actually a couple hundred thousand of us, have chipped in to get you something mighty special, baby. We're gonna be standing right by your side. Today....tomorrow....and the years to come. Because that is how much you mean to me, baby.....to us.....to all of us. (laughter) So with that, happy anniversary, baby. Lookin' good for 40...."

Tagline: Happy 40th Anniversary, Roe v. Wade

"Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter." Isaiah 5:20

"The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people, who suppress the truth by their wickedness, since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse. For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like a mortal human being and birds and animals and reptiles. Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another. They exchanged the truth about God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator—who is forever praised. Amen. Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even their women exchanged natural sexual relations for unnatural ones. In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed shameful acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their error. Furthermore, just as they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, so God gave them over to a depraved mind, so that they do what ought not to be done. They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice. They are gossips, slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant and boastful; they invent ways of doing evil; they disobey their parents; they have no understanding, no fidelity, no love, no mercy. Although they know God’s righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them." Romans 1:18-32

Andy Stanley Thinks President Obama Should Be Known as "Pastor In Chief?"

Posted by Christine Pack

From the Washington Examiner (1/21/13):

"President Obama’s recent response to the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn., convinced the pastor who preached at this morning’s pre-inaugural church service that the president has the cleric’s touch.......Obama should be called 'Pastor in Chief,' said Andy Stanley, pastor of North Point Community Church in Alpharetta, Ga., after he 'thanked POTUS for work after Newtown shooting tragedy when he spoke to mourners.'"

My friends, are these the words of a biblical pastor? Please bear in mind that Andy Stanley, Atlanta megachurch pastor and son of Pastor Charles Stanley, is heaping praise upon the same President who said in yesterday's Inaugural Address:

"Our journey is not complete until our gay brothers and sisters are treated like anyone else under the law, for if we are truly created equal, then surely the love we commit to one another must be equal as well." (Source)

Stanley is, unfortunately, giving the appearance of being bound to numbers and political access rather than fidelity to Scripture. But then again, perhaps gay-affirming President Obama and Andy Stanley have more in common than meets the eye at first glance. After all, Stanley is the same pastor who appeared to give tentatively gay-affirming signals over a recent conflict that he openly addressed in a sermon and which played out at his church. (The conflict in question involved a woman, her ex-husband, her ex-husband's male lover, and the male lover's wife. Yes, really.)

One wonders how this will all play out. In Atlanta where I am, Andy Stanley is considered to be solid, biblical and conservative. Perhaps stories such as these will open the eyes of the faithful remnant.


 Additional Resources 

Problems At Andy Stanley's North Point Church?

Is This Andy Stanley's Gay Affirming Shot Across the Bow?

Is The Megachurch the New Liberalism? (Chris Rosebrough's Fighting For the Faith radio show)

Homosexuality, Megachurches and Andy Stanley (Apprising)

Pastor Andy Stanley Responds to Questions Over Homosexuality Stance (Christian Post)

Andy Stanley Avoids Gay Issue in Last Sermon of Controversial 8-Part Series (Christian Post)

The Need for Elders Who Guard Their Flocks (Criticial Issues Commentary, Bob DeWaay)

Paul Taylor Discusses Water on Mars, Earth

Posted by Christine Pack

“Isn't it interesting that many scientists look at the planet Mars these days, and they see this canyon across the center of Mars. And they say, the only way that could possibly have been formed is if the planet Mars was completely covered once with water. They even call it the 'Noachian epoch' on Mars. Isn't it amazing? That serious scientists will tell you that a planet which today has next to no water on it must at one time have been completely covered with water. But you try telling them that a planet which is seventy percent covered with water was once a hundred percent covered with water, and they laugh at you.” (Paul Taylor, Creation Today)

Biographical information on Paul Taylor, from the Creation Today website:

Paul Taylor,
Creation Today

Born near Manchester, England, Paul graduated with a degree in Chemistry from the University of Nottingham, and later obtained a Master’s degree from the University of Cardiff. Both are part of the Russell Group, the elite group of 20 British universities, approximately equivalent to the Ivy League colleges in the United States. He was a science teacher in state comprehensive schools for many years, the equivalent of U.S. public schools. He taught in the North-West of England and then in South Wales, eventually becoming a Head of Department. Later he ran a business that trained people in industry and government in general ICT skills and web development. Most recently, Paul was the senior speaker and manager of Answers In Genesis (UK/Europe), the United Kingdom branch of the creationist organization based in Kentucky. In his role at AIG–UK, Paul authored more than eight books, was an itinerant speaker around the country, appearing on radio and TV programs, including brief debates with atheists such as Richard Dawkins and Steve Jones.

“You covered it with the deep as with a garment; the waters stood above the mountains. At your rebuke they fled; at the sound of your thunder they took to flight. The mountains rose, the valleys sank down to the place that you appointed for them. You set a boundary that they may not pass, so that they might not again cover the earth.” (Psalm 104:6-9)

 Additional Resources 

Download the first chapter of Paul Taylor's book The Six Days of Genesis
The Six Days of Genesis
Talks Given By Paul Taylor
More Talks Given By Paul Taylor
The Historical Account of the Global Flood, Paul Taylor

 Young Earth Apologetics Resources 

Answers in Genesis
Answers in Genesis Video
The Creation Museum
Creation Ministries International
Already Compromised
Already Gone: Why Your Kids Will Quit Church (And What You Can Do To Stop It)
The New Answers Book, Volume 1
The New Answers Book, Volume 2

The New Answers Book, Volume 3

The Answers Book for Kids, Volume 1: Creation and the Fall
The Answers Book for Kids, Volume 2: Dinosaurs and the Flood of Noah
The Answers Book for Kids, Volume 3: God and the Bible
The Answers Book for Kids, Volume 4: Sin, Salvation, and the Christian Life
Demolishing Supposed Bible Contradictions Volume 1

Demolishing Supposed Bible Contradictions Volume 2

How Do We Know the Bible is True? Volume 1

How Do We Know the Bible Is True? Volume 2
The True Story of Noah's Ark (with audio CD and pull-out spread)

The Genius of Ancient Man

Made in Heaven

The Lie: Evolution

The Genesis Flood 50th Anniversary Edition

In Six Days

On the Seventh Day

Big Book of History
Adam's Synchronological Chart of History (James Ussher)

Psalm 46:10 and Hearing God Speak

Posted by Christine Pack

"Be still and know that I am God." Psalm 46:10

Writes Saddleback Pastor Rick Warren in his Daily Hope blog (1/17/13):

"You say, 'I want to trust God, but I don't hear him.' To hear God, you have to get near God. You don't hear God when your mind is filled with a thousand other distractions. You've got to get alone with God and be quiet. The Bible says, 'Be still and know that I am God' (Psalm 46:10 NIV). That means sit down and shut up. That's how you hear God and get near to God. You have to sit alone and just be quiet with your Bible and say, 'God, is there anything you want to say to me?' You read God’s Word, and you talk to him about what's on your heart. Pray this today: 'God, I want to listen to you, not the voices of doubt. I want to hear you, and I promise to then obey you. I want to be one of the people that you can use and bless in the next 10 years. I want those years to be a decade of destiny for me and my family.'" (source)

Is this true? Do we need to get still and wait for God to "speak" to us, as Pastor Rick Warren teaches? Absolutely not, and Marcia Montenegro of Christian Answers For the New Age has written a great article in response to this now commonplace (but incorrect) teaching in today's church that Psalm 46:10 is about getting still and "hearing" God speak to you. Marcia, a former New Ager/professional astrologer, is now a born again Christian in full-time ministry, and is devoted to exposing how many of the things she once believed as a New Ager (such as the oft-misinterpreted Psalm 46:10) are coming into the church.

From Marcia's article:

"God's word teaches us to think and use our mind. Rational thinking and reason flow from the nature of God. We can be still or quiet, of course, in order to contemplate God and His perfect love, justice, and mercy. We can be still and appreciate His might. But we do not need to numb our brains or create a mystical experience to do so; in fact, these techniques will hinder us from practicing true contemplation."

Continue reading Marcia's article here.


photo credit: Connor Tarter via photopin cc


 Additional Resources 

Christian Answers For The New Age

What Is Mysticism?

Mysticism: A Counterfeit Holy Spirit

Interview With A Former Mystic

Contemplative Monvee: Placing Experience Above Scripture

Contemplative Prayer, Spiritual Formation and the Kundalini Effect 

Mysticism: Who Needs Crack?

Why Passion 2013 Is Such A Big Deal

Posted by Christine Pack

It's a big deal because come on, we've all been to conferences. You know the drill. You buy your ticket, and then wait for weeks, maybe even months, and then, with your ticket clutched in your sweaty hand, and maybe even all geeked out in a conference t-shirt, you carpool to the event with 6 of your best friends. When you get there, the stage is worthy of a John Mayer concert. The lighting and sound are ridiculously professional. And this is what happens: after each session of being whipped into an emotional frenzy by sing-songy speakers or repetitive musical cords or both, you and your friends rush out to the lobby in your semi-trance to buy all the books-sweatshirts-CDs of whoever was just on stage.

That's why it matters. Because guaranteed, a large percentage of the 60,000 attendees at Passion 2013 went home with Jesus Culture CDs. Still don't know who Jesus Culture is? what they believe? where they come from?

"Have nothing to do with the fruitless deeds of darkness, but rather expose them." Eph 5:11

"Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?" 2 Cor 6:14

"For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry." 2 Tim 4:3-5

 What they believe 




 Where they come from 



photo credit: marfis75 via photopin cc

 Additional Resources 

"Christian Fascism" Targeting Our Youth? (Sola Sisters)

Has John Piper Lost His Mind? (Sola Sisters)

Problems at Passion 2013 (Sola Sisters)

Resistance Is Futile: You Will Be Assimilated Into The Community (Fighting For The Faith)

More Problems at Passion 2013 (Fighting For The Faith)

Even More Problems at Passion 2013 (Fighting For The Faith)

Jesus Culture - You Sure It's The Real Jesus? (Apprising)

Louie Giglio, Passion 2013 and Jesus Culture (Apprising)

More About Jesus Culture (youtube)

Those Who Received His Word (Pyromaniacs)