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Music review Tuesday

In my previous “music review Tuesday” I reviewed the DT- Systematic Chaos new Rush release. Rush, and another favorite band of mine Kansas, introduced the mainstream to the sub-genre of progressive rock. With their dream-like lyrics and music that pushed the envelope of instrumental prowess, this genre of music appealed to many players and wanna be players such as I. In 1992 the progressive metal/rock band Dream Theater released their debut album “Images and Words”. Through relentless touring and a couple of fairly popular singles, “Pull Me Under” and “Take the Time”, Dream Theater was launched into the music industry. I remember the first time I heard “Pull Me Under”, I thought “what an incredible band.” Bands like Rush and Kansas introduced the world to progressive rock, but Dream Theater took progressive metal/rock to the next level. Progressive Rock II dude! (In my best Bill and Ted impression)

The newest release from Dream Theater is called “Systematic Chaos” and was released June 5th. 2007. The title itself says much about this release. In a recent interview their drummer Mike Portnoy described the album as “heavy and technical, powerful and dynamic – all of the elements people kind of expect out of a Dream Theater album. All of the styles and sounds are intact, but we wanted to make it a real sonic explosion.” Doesn’t that sound like systematic chaos? The album debuted at number 19 on Billboard’s Top 200 which is a major first for the band. This album also marks the beginning of Dream Theater’s relationship with their new record label Roadrunner Records. Then something ironic happened. After finally getting a fresh start with a new record company their old record company Warner purchases Roadrunner Records. Go figure.

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Posted by barrydean on July 18, 2007 in Dream Theater, Music Review, Systematic Chaos

Sermon audio pages

16 Jul

Sermon Audio Links

I have now added additional pages for sermon audio.

With all of the superficial preaching going on in the modern church today I thought I should provide another resource of excellent sermons for the folks who visit BarryDean4Christ. These sermons present a high view of God and a high view of His word. Please click on the following link or click on the tab in the header above for more info and directions to the audio pages.

Sermon Audio Links

One, two, three, I’m saved!

16 Jul

This weekend, my town of Omaha, Nebraska hosted a Luis Palau Festival. Much has Luis Palau in O been written about it in the blogosphere. Interviews were done about the stance our local church took by refraining from partnering with those involved with the event. Specifically the first time the Luis Palau ministry partnering with the Roman Catholic Church. As a personal wrap up I wanted to just see what all was written about it the local newspaper. I found an article in the Omaha World Herald published Saturday, July 14th, entitled “Palau Heartland Festival takes off with a roar.” The article describes many things like the numbers in attendance, the different performances present, and several positive interviews about the event. The one part of the article that stuck right out for me was the approach used to get folks to commit to Christ.

Palau went on to preach that salvation is a gift and that people can claim it through faith. He asked people in the crowd to signal their commitment to Christ by raising a hand on his count of three and then say, “I believe.” Hundreds did so.

Now I have been a member of a church that did very much the same thing by stirring up the crowd to make a commitment they may or may not keep. What the article did not say is if these folks were followed up on? Did anyone give them the true gospel? Because I know people who hang onto that “raising of a hand” or saying a sinners prayer, or walking an invitation aisle and have no fruit to show for that “commitment”.

Professing a faith is not a saving faith. Matthew 7:21-23 says:

21 Not everyone who says to me, Lord, Lord, will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. 22 On that day many will say to me, Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name? 23 And then will I declare to them, I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.

When a watered down gospel is presented to folks, much like this one was, people are deceived or deceive themselves into believing in a human work and not the sovereign work of God that saved them. It is my prayer that the Spirit of God did illuminate the hearts of those who made a profession. Because it is only God who can save. It is not a work of man. Ephesians 2:8-9.

3 Comments

Posted by barrydean on July 16, 2007 in Heartland Festival, Luis Palau, salvation, The gospel

15 years and counting

13 Jul

Today is the anniversary of the marriage to my lovely wife Proverbs 31 wife Robin. It’s hard to believe we have been together that long. We surely did not start out in the best of circumstances but we are sure great examples of God’s grace towards His elect. We had been through more than our share of trials it seemed but looking back at them now, I can see God’s hand molding us. I try to thank God every day for his gracious gift of my wife. I know that by God’s grace on her that she has been able to put up with this geeky, quiet, southern boy from Tennessee. To that I would like to post a portion of Proverbs 31 to the honor of God and my wife.

10 An excellent wife who can find?She is far more precious than jewels. 11 The heart of her husband trusts in her,and he will have no lack of gain. 12 She does him good, and not harm,all the days of her life. 13 She seeks wool and flax,and works with willing hands. 14 She is like the ships of the merchant;she brings her food from afar. 15 She rises while it is yet nightand provides food for her householdand portions for her maidens. 16 She considers a field and buys it;with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard. 17 She dresses herself with strengthand makes her arms strong. 18 She perceives that her merchandise is profitable.Her lamp does not go out at night. 19 She puts her hands to the distaff,and her hands hold the spindle. 20 She opens her hand to the poorand reaches out her hands to the needy. 21 She is not afraid of snow for her household,for all her household are clothed in scarlet. 22 She makes bed coverings for herself;her clothing is fine linen and purple. 23 Her husband is known in the gateswhen he sits among the elders of the land. 24 She makes linen garments and sells them;she delivers sashes to the merchant. 25 Strength and dignity are her clothing,and she laughs at the time to come. 26 She opens her mouth with wisdom,and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue. 27 She looks well to the ways of her householdand does not eat the bread of idleness. 28 Her children rise up and call her blessed;her husband also, and he praises her: 29 Many women have done excellently,but you surpass them all. 30 Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain,but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. 31 Give her of the fruit of her hands,and let her works praise her in the gates.

BTW, have blessed Friday the 13th. Only someone who is ignorant of a sovereign God would be anxious on an day such as today.

Soli Deo Gloria,

Barry Dean

3 Comments

Posted by barrydean on July 13, 2007 in Anniversary, marriage, Proverbs 31

A day of reflection on dependency

13 Jul

Today I took the day off from work to repair my car. You see my wife used it to take our Audi repair daughter and her friend to the pool yesterday and when she returned home noticed that motor oil was liberally running out from under the car. She suspected that she may have done something to the car when she encountered a pot hole in the pool parking lot and the car bottomed out. Yep, the pot hole had punched a hole in the oil pan. It took no time for the oil to completely drain onto our driveway. I spread some dry-all compound on the spill in the driveway and then proceeded to search for an oil pan on the Internet.

The Lord has graciously provided two cars for us so I was able to drive down to the local U-Pull-It junk yards today to see if I could get my hands on an oil pan. I quickly found out that an oil pan for my Audi is a commodity in Omaha. After much searching I finally determined that I would not find one to install today and I would have to resort to ordering one over the Internet and wait the few days for it to arrive. As I was trying to figure out some way of working our schedules around one vehicle for the next few days it began to dawn on me how dependent we had become on the two cars we have. We would actually be considered very wealthy having two cars in any third world country and even in our own country depending on where you live. I also began to question how dependent I was on God. One of my favorite passages in the Old Testament came to mind. Isaiah 53:6 is such a wonderful reminder of God as our Good Shepherd:

All of us like sheep have gone astray. Each of us has turned to his own way: But the LORD has caused the iniquity of us all to fall on Him.

You see we are like sheep and we are dependent on God our shepherd to provide our hope. As our shepherd He gathered us to Himself with the redeeming blood of His Son Jesus Christ. Most of us as believers in His Son’s work on the cross will acknowledge our dependence on Him for salvation. But do we also depend on Him for this grace in all things? Grace is what it is. Or like the puncture of my oil pan and the realization of my dependence on having both of our cars running, do we also only realize our dependence on God’s grace when we encounter a puncture or trial in our life?

This is what I was thinking as I drove to Lincoln to pick up the oil pan that God had provided from a junkyard there. Yes, God does provide grace and I am so dependent on His grace even if I do not consider it as I go to and fro in life. My hope is that my attitude will turn from taking Him for granted, to trusting in Him completely. Trusting in Him for future grace.

ht: John Piper

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Posted by barrydean on July 13, 2007 in Christian living, dependence, future grace, John Piper, trusting God

Why can’t they see this?

12 Jul

While looking for some sermon audio on Monergism.com I conversation came across an article by Tom Nettles that really peaked my interest. The article attempts to answer the questions: Why do my Christian friends have such an aversion to the Doctrines of Grace? How can I keep the channels of communication open and still make progress in helping them to understand? I will share it with you here and provide some highlights in an outline form. I will provide the link to the article at the bottom.

Difficulties and Priorities

He starts off by encouraging us not to get too obsessed with this personal dilemma. The highest priority is to share the gospel with folks. But he also shares 3 John 3 & 4:

3 For I rejoiced greatly when the brothers came and testified to your truth, as indeed you are walking in the truth. 4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.

“Only rarely does something compare with the spiritual delight of seeing a friend, fellow Christian, or fellow minister embrace and enjoy this truth.”

Principles to Encourage Patience

Having a high view of God flies in the face of our natural tendency for pride, self-sufficiency, and independence.

Principle of growth

Maybe the reason they can’t understand is that they are in fact unregenerate.

In Ephesians 1:3-14 Paul provides a “clear and moving affirmation of the glory of God in His sovereign bestowal of salvation”, and then in 1:17-23 he prays for their understanding. So pray for your brother or sisters’ understanding as well.

Prayer, patience, and self-sacrifice are fundamental in discussing these truths.

Principle of common ground

Start by re-establishing the common ground of the gospel and common evangelical creeds.

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Posted by barrydean on July 12, 2007 in doctrines of grace, Monergism, relating, Tom J. Nettles

Music review Tuesday

10 Jul

I’ve been looking forward to this review since I began music review Tuesday. Today I am reviewing a new album from a band I grew up listening to. Rush has been around since the early 70’s. I still remember the first time I heard the song “Working Man” with its hard driving guitar and bass, and the killer long guitar solo. “Working Man” became their anthem song for many years to come. I can still hear my mom yelling for me to TURN THAT MUSIC DOWN. The high pitched vocals of Geddy Lee used to wear on her nerves. (Sorry mom) Rush has been the epitome of the power trio. Their progressive rock style has been imitated but never duplicated. There are many bands today who make the claim to have been influenced by Rush. In a recent interview Geddy Lee said “It’s ironic that bands that have been influenced by our playing or our past have some instruction for us, too. They help us grow.”

The new album is called “Snakes & Arrows” (release date was May 1st, 2007) and I will definitely say it is a return to their progressive rock roots. It is the return of Alex Lifeson and his famous guitar riffs beginning with the first track “Far Cry” to the last track “We Hold On”. Gone, is what I refer to as, the feminization of Rush, the keyboards and synthesizers. The trademark Geddy Lee vocals have been more subdued over the years but that comes with maturity. With the absence of the keyboards Geddy seems to have rediscovered the progressive bass rhythm he is known for. Who can write about Rush without adding an intentional nod to Neil Peart one of the best rock drummers, ever? Neil is also the lyricist for the band and this album is replete with his intelligent lyrics.

As I previously mentioned I would characterize this album a return to the Rush we all grew to love, who had all but disappeared after the “Moving Pictures” album. It’s not they stopped recording after that album but with the turn toward prominent keyboards in their songs the songs began to all sound alike. It is a delight to hear the return of Alex Lifeson’s guitar playing which is much more prominent on this release. Highlights on this album are hard to come up with since it is such a revitalized Rush release. The first track “Far Cry” got my attention the first time I heard it. Hoping beyond hope that they had returned to the driving guitar sound they made them great. “Armor and Sword”, “The Main Monkey Business (an instrumental track to rival “YYZ” of old) are great examples of their progressiveness. The guitar genius of Alex Lifeson shines in “The Way the Wind Blows” as it starts with some great blues guitar and then transforms itself throughout the track. The other instrumental track on the album is “Malignant Narcissism” which is short and rockin’ song highlighting each of the band members playing prowess. I can’t say enough about this album so I will leave it at this, it will be in my MP3 player for some time to come. I give it 5 out of 5 stars.

gold star

Check out the full length video from “Far Cry”

4 Comments

Posted by barrydean on July 10, 2007 in Music Review, Rush, Snakes & Arrows

John MacArthur on “Why I Love The Church”

09 Jul

John MacArthur has written a series of articles called “Why I Love the Church” at Pulpit Magazine online. The four part series (including today’s conclusion) focuses on Christ’s church as it is defined and spoken of in scripture. MacArthur provides some great insight for all of us to consider regarding the Church. From pointing out the careless approach to the Church that many in the evangelical world have taken, to what the Church’s role is on the earth and how this role differs from the idol created by the RCC. Christ is the chief cornerstone as mentioned in Ephesians 2:19-22. He is the head and must be the one we serve. The link is in the text above. It will take you to Part 1 of the series. Once you are on the page just find the additional links to the series in the upper right column of the Pulpit Magazine page.

6 Comments

Posted by barrydean on July 9, 2007 in Church History, faith in Christ, Local church, Ministry, Pulpit Magazine, serving, The gospel, worship

The pendulum swings

06 Jul

My senior pastor has been doing a series this summer on worship, so this subject has Foucault pendulum been on my mind for the last couple of weeks. For this reason I was researching worship and stumbled onto an interesting article.

I know that most of us know what the term “seeker sensitive” means when referring to the local church. For most of us with a “high view” of scripture, meaning we believe it to be the final authority in faith and life, have seen the seeker movement as a watering down of the scripture or gospel to make it more “understandable” for the unbeliever. Yet scripture teaches that “the Word of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing”. (1 Cor. 1:18) Which means that the seeker sensitive churches are watering down something that the unbeliever is not going to naturally understand anyway.

Today I read an article in Christianity Today Magazine online that throws the pendulum in the other direction. The article quotes a medieval mystic, yes you heard right, Meister Eckhart who states, “to know him (I think he means God) is to know him as unknowable…God’s worth and God’s perfection cannot be put into words…”. I wonder why the Holy Spirit of God spent all that time inspiring the writers of the bible to write about God? The author of the article goes on to say “In other words, God is anything but “meaningful,” “understandable,” or intelligible.” And worship, if it is authentic worship of the biblical God, will, at some level, remain incomprehensible.”

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Posted by barrydean on July 6, 2007 in mysticism, Patrick Abendroth, Seeker Sensitive, seeker-unfriendly, worship