Teaching Your Church to Lament
Many years ago, author and professor Carl Trueman wrote—by his own admission—one of his most read and well-known works, an article titled What Can Miserable Christians Sing? In it, Trueman argues for the necessity of including songs of lament (especially from the Psalter) in a church’s corporate worship. He writes, in part: “A diet of […]
When God Takes What We Love Most
Jonah 4 provides a striking picture. God appoints a plant to give Jonah shade, and Jonah greatly enjoys its comfort. But the next day, God appoints a worm to destroy the plant. Deprived of its shade, Jonah becomes furious and cries out, “It is better for me to die than to live” (Jon. 4:8). Jonah’s […]
When Service Becomes Worship
Serving Behind the Scenes Much of the Lord’s work happens quietly. Long before a sermon is preached or a song is sung, someone has already prepared a place for God’s people to gather. Spaces are opened, checked, repaired, and made ready—often with little recognition, yet with a faithfulness that reflects the heart of Christ Himself. […]
Why We Sing
The Christian faith is a singing faith. A singing saint brings deep joy to the heart of God. There is not a chapter and verse in Scripture that explicitly states this, but when you consider the sum of singing commands and the role singing plays at so many critical points in redemptive history, we easily […]
Every Member is a Worshipper
Imagine you’re at a friend’s party one night, where you’re introduced to a man in his late 20s. Let’s call him Rico. You ask him what he does, and he says, “I’m a quarterback.” As a football fan, you’re immediately interested and begin to ask him questions. “Really,” you say. “Who do you play for?” […]
Mixing it Up on Worship
This week on the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson and Ross Ferguson continue their three-week mini-series, drawing out the usual podcast banter to specific subjects. No agenda; no plan. Just a free-form conversation — this week, on worship music. What is it for? Who is it for? What are some strange things they’ve encountered in worship services? Why do some worship services seem stuck in time? All that and more in this episode of “mixing it up.”
Episode 259: Why Stories Matter
On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson and Ross Ferguson talk about the importance of “story” as it pertains to our testimonies and to preaching and teaching, as well as the biblical and theological significance of the concept of story, before discussing Jared’s new book The Storied Life: Christian Writing as Art and Worship. The Storied Life, designed for writers and artists of all kinds, is published by Zondervan and is available to order/purchase wherever you buy Christian books. Order before May 7 and you can get access to Jared’s FREE teaching videos either for writers or preachers. More details at: www.zondervan.com/p/the-storied-life/
Episode 215: Top 10 Christian Musicians
On this episode of the FTC Podcast, Jared Wilson and Ross Ferguson share their favorite Christian musical acts, plus a few honorable mentions.
Worship: The Completion of Our Affection
C.S. Lewis is one of my favorite authors. One of the most impactful things he has written in regards to worship isn’t about the subject of worship in particular, but it definitely helps my heart to feel and my mind to know what is true. He says this in “Reflections on the Psalms” : “I […]
Zion’s Cultural Heritage
During my college years I traveled extensively, as a result I experienced a variety of cultures. The hospitality of Egypt, with cups full of Maghrebi, mint tea heavily laden with sugar; or the extended Italian meals that feature aperitivo, first and second Piatti, followed by a strong digestivo. I danced with Malawians at the celebration […]