Balm in Gilead

Episod

• 58 – Gratitude vs. Song of the Risen Son 06.01.2025 1j 14min

  Psalm 58 (ESV) To the choirmaster: according to Do Not Destroy. A Miktam of David. 1 Do you indeed decree what is right, you gods?  Do you judge the children of man uprightly?  2 No, in your hearts you devise wrongs;  your hands deal out violence on earth.  3 The wicked are estranged from the womb;  they go astray from birth, speaking lies.  4 They have venom like the venom of a serpent,  like the deaf adder that stops its ear,  5 so that it does not hear the voice of charmers  or of the cunning enchanter.  6 O God, break the teeth in their mouths;  tear out the fangs of the young lions, O Lord!  7 Let them vanish like water that runs away;  when he aims his arrows, let them be blunted.  8 Let them be like the snail that dissolves into slime,  like the stillborn child who never sees the sun.  9 Sooner than your pots can feel the heat of thorns,  whether green or ablaze, may he sweep them away!  10 The righteous will rejoice when he sees the vengeance;  he will bathe his feet in the blood of the wicked.  11 Mankind will say, “Surely there is a reward for the righteous;  surely there is a God who judges on earth.” Ice Breaker:  “What have you been listening to/reading”? Song vs Song Gratitude: Brandon Lake  Verse 1   All my words fall short   I got nothing new   How could I express   All my gratitude? Verse 2   I could sing these songs   As I often do   But every song must end   And You never do Chorus   So I throw up my hands   And praise You again and again   ‘Cause all that I have is a hallelujah   Hallelujah   And I know it’s not much   But I’ve nothing else fit for a King   Except for a heart singing hallelujah   Hallelujah Verse 3   I’ve got one response   I’ve got just one move   With my arm stretched wide   I will worship You Chorus   So I throw up my hands   And praise You again and again   ‘Cause all that I have is a hallelujah   Hallelujah   And I know it’s not much   But I’ve nothing else fit for a King   Except for a heart singing hallelujah   Hallelujah Bridge (x3)   So come on, my soul   Oh, don’t you get shy on me   Lift up your song   ‘Cause you’ve got a lion inside of those lungs   Get up and praise the Lord Chorus   So I throw up my hands   And praise You again and again   ‘Cause all that I have is a hallelujah   Hallelujah   And I know it’s not much   But I’ve nothing else fit for a King   Except for a heart singing hallelujah   Hallelujah Babylon Bee – Worship leader driving over the bridge Worship Leader Late To Church After Repeatedly Driving Over Bridge | Babylon Bee  4 issue:  Problem with Perspective Lens of reader vs lens of writer  There are two lenses through which to view this song. If you look through the lens of the reader (i.e. “me”), there is a logic that makes sense and contains some truth. For instance, it is true that I hold in tension the two facts that I desire to fully express my gratitude for Christ’s saving grace and my inability to perfectly magnify the thrice holy God of the universe. The logic breaks down, however, when you look at the song through the lens of the writer (specifically, “Brandon Lake”). The opening line makes very little logical sense when you see Brandon Lake specifically saying “all my words fall short.” He acknowledges that his words are not the best words to offer God in praise, but then he goes ahead and does it anyway. When “I’m” singing the song, it is easy to overlook this issue, but thinking about Brandon Lake writing that line raises some questions:  If he knew that his words fall short, why not sing a Psalm or a hymn that has stood the test of time? If he knew that his words fall short, why knowingly offer God what he himself considers to be an insufficient song?  Lake has no problem offering God a second best option, especially when they are his words. He even goes out of his way to proclaim that the song is a second best option, since he could have easily written an alternate first line. As it is, the song comes off as a “humble brag”.  Settling for his own words rather than choosing a song God wrote (a Psalm) or a song tested by the church over time (a hymn), results in a final product that elevates Brandon Lake more than it elevates God. Words be 2 cas(ual) The second line of the song is “I got nothing new” and the first line of the course is “So I throw up my hands”. Both of these lines are placed in such a way to set the mood of the song. The rest of the song is built on the foundation of those two lines, and those two lines are incredibly casual. It reads like you are talking to your buddy, not the thrice holy God of the universe.  There is a reality that Jesus calls us “friend”, but that does not diminish the fact that Jesus’ glory will obliterate any sinner in His presence. The proper response to being in the same space as Christ is to fall prostrate on your face and say “Woe is me! For I am lost; for I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts!” Even when compared to the hymn What A Friend We Have In Jesus, there is not the same feeling of casualness. The hymn, while exulting in the fact that we can call Jesus our friend, never divorces the fact that He is God. In fact, the song proclaims “What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer!” This over casualization of our relationship with God has a two fold effect of both lowing Christ below His position and raising ourselves above ours. Salvation conflation Justification vs Sanctification  The song conflates the idea of fallen sinners bringing nothing to their justification and bringing an appropriate offering of praise. It is true that no one can contribute to their salvation; that we are saved by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone. It is not true, however, that we have nothing of value to bring God in worship. This is because as we are Sanctified, we have more and more Christ-like behavior.  In Philippians 2:12b-13, it says “work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.” The language and theme of “fear and trembling” is seen elsewhere in the Bible in the context of proper worship of the thrice holy God of the universe (Psalm 2, Isaiah 6). As such, we can learn that we are called by God to contribute to our worship through the process of Sanctification.  Throughout the story of King Saul and King David, the theme of obedience over sacrifice is repeated (1 Samuel 15:22, Psalm 51:16-17). Paul brings the same idea up in 2 Corinthians 7:15: And (Titus’s) affection for you is even greater, as he remembers the obedience of you all, how you received him with fear and trembling. As we grow to be more and more like Christ through Sanctification, we have more and more to offer God in worship through obedience. Failed attempt to appeal to Psalm 42 Lack of Scripture use in general The bridge of the song switches from speaking to God to speaking to “my soul”. This is an odd shift, but there is biblical precedent in Psalm 42. In Psalm 42, the speaker is not speaking directly to God throughout, but rather the whole thing reads as introspective. There is a marked shift from the “verses” to the “refrain” in that the Psalm switches from no direct recipient to the direct recipient of “my soul”: Why are you cast down, O my soul,  and why are you in turmoil within me?  Hope in God; for I shall again praise him,  my salvation and my God. In Gratitude, the change in recipient from “You” to “my soul” is similar to the shift on Psalm 42, but it is important to see how different these passages are.  In both the bridge of Gratitude and the refrain of Psalm 42, the soul is troubled. This reflects the soul of everyone, believer or not. All of humanity can relate to one another through our troubled souls. However, the remedies are starkly different in these passages.  In Gratitude, the remedy for the troubled soul is to white knuckle your way through it. The passage is a pep talk to find your strength from within, to “get up and praise the Lord”. This is especially odd considering the foundational concept of having nothing of worth to offer. In contrast, the refrain from Psalm 42 offers a different remedy for the troubled soul: “hope in God.” Don’t place your hope on the lion that resides inside of your lungs, but hope in God! Only then will you praise Him.  More than the failed attempt to appeal to Psalm 42, the song Gratitude fails to appeal to any Scripture. There is exactly one accurate theological concept: the never ending nature of God. Every other theological statement is the invention of man, most commonly as a conflation of terms, such as “all my words (of praise) fall short” being conflated with “for all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God”. This song ends up being a poster child for “doxology without theology”, which Shai Linne identifies as “idolatry”. 1 Timothy 6 (KJV) 16: who alone has immortality, who dwells in unapproachable light, whom no one has ever seen or can see. To him be honor and eternal dominion. Amen. 1 Peter 2 (KJV) 9: But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. Song of the Risen Son: As Isaac (Album: Headed for My Home) You hold the keys Of heaven and earth From eternity Eternity You are complete in perfection so sweet You are otherly Otherly Holy Holy God Almighty Worthy is the Lamb who was slain Holy Holy God Almighty Worthy is the Lamb who will reign You humbled Yourself To death as a man To redeem Your own Redeem Your own You will appear and return on the clouds And all flesh will see And bend their knee One generation Will tell of Your works so Another can know of Your infinite worth All of Your works here In heaven or earth or Above or below will come tremble before And bring blessing to Him who is  seated on high Who alone dwells in fierce unapproachable light Until children from every nation and tongue Will join in the song of the risen Son My only complaint with this song is that they didn’t work a third “holy” into the chorus… I do have serious thoughts, but I’m cool with doing more of an off the cuff review. Lots of great Scripture references. The whole thing is unwaveringly focused on Christ, with no mention of “me” at all. Instead of saying “I throw up my hands and praise you”, the song simply, boldly, and explicitly praises Christ, for who He is and what He has done. Thanks for listening The Balm of Gilead podcast is a member of the Tech Reformation family of podcasts. If you enjoy the show, please share it with others. We enjoy hearing from you, so join us on our Discord and let us know what you’re thinking. If email is more your thing, write to us at thereis <at> balmcast <dot> com. Thanks again and we’ll see you next time, Lord willing.
• 57 – Is Jesus Lower Still? 30.08.2023 1j 37min

  Psalm Psalm 57 Welcome What have we been listening to… since February Bryan  (old hats) Poor Bishop Hooper Sarah Sparks Providence The Oh Hellos (really old hats) Switchfoot/Jon Foreman Relient K Colony House (new hats) The Gray Havens You Me & The Bread The Orchardist Nostalgia Shiplap On Repeat Spencer Psallos (Philippians and Hebrews) on 2 road trips New upcoming Psallos tracks for Patreon members! PBH (Psalms, Golgotha) Sarah Sparks (Ways and Means, All I Have) Brian Sauve (Even Dragons Shall Him Praise) Jadon Lavik (Roots Run Deep) Classical Music (Bach, Handel’s Messiah) Ventured into a little Skillet (Dominion) Instrumental EDM Proverbs 10, Vol. 2: The Foolish Man Will Fall All Good Things Recommendation for Spencer: Handel: Messiah | Voces8 and Academy of Ancient Music [Full Concert] Grant Crown & Covenant (Ps 42D, Ps 1A, Ps 143b, Ps 78f) Jared Kraft (Revival: The Work of God soundtrack) The Corner Room (Matthew 11:28-30, John 17:1-11, John 3:16-17, Movement II (V.4-10)) Colony House (One of Those Days, Landlocked Surf Rock, Cannonballers, Would Ya Could Ya) The National Parks (As We Ran, Chance, Sunshine, 8th Wonder, Rodeo, Summer of Memories) The Beach Boys (Surf Jam, Surfin’ Safari, Surfin’ U.S.A., California Girls, Fun, Fun, Fun) Owl City (Deer in the Headlights, Vitamin Sea, Learn How to Surf, Embers, Fireflies, Kelly Time) Voces8 (The Luckiest, Shenandoah, Maria, Gabriel’s Message) Ola W. Jansson (The Good Life, At Last, For Keith Jarrett, Sunset Bird) Holly Dutton (Shorter Catechism songs) Special Mention: Spencer Parsons (Forget Not All His Benefits, A Wise Son, A Wise Son (Instrumental, Piano Version), You’re My Joy) Ice Breaker State of Christian Music according to John Cooper and Alisa Childers: Progressive Christianity is more pervasive Identifying with fallenness over Christ Flamy Grant Avoiding Bethel and Hillsong Note the importance of more influential voices speaking especially to the idea of blanket rule rejecting Bethel and Hillsong Song V Song “Christ Is Lower Still” The Porter’s Gate V1 Breathe in, reach out Touch the hem of your garment now Help me, heal me My mind, my body, and soul Chorus Let the king descend, living word made flesh Lift this heavy heart to your throne o god In his wounds I find room for all of mine When from grace I fell, Christ was lower still V2 Humbly, lowly Jesus waits in the valley My Savior suffers with me With Him, I’ll rise again Chorus x2 Til the earth is filled, Christ is lower still Bridge We lift it all up to you Lord We lift our heads we lift our hands We lift our dreams we lift our plans We lift our sorrow and our pain We cast our cares on you again We lift it all up to you Lord Chorus x2 Til the earth is filled, Christ is lower still Some notes on this song“Fell from grace” – Galatians 5:4 and some commentary from Got Questions. “Nothing Either Great or Small” You Me & The Bread (based on this hymn) V1 Nothing either great or small Nothing sinner, no Jesus died to pay it all Ever long ago When he from his lofty throne Stooped to do and die Everything was fully done Hearken to his cry Chorus And rest in the hands of the Savior Rest in him Rest in the grace of his labor Rest in him V2 Weary working burdened one Wherefore toil you so? Cease your doing, all was done Ever long ago ‘Til to Jesus’ work you cling By a simple faith Doing is a deadly thing But by His work, we’re saved Chorus V3 It is finished, yes indeed Finished we were bought Sinners, this is all we need Tell me, is it not? We cast our deadly doing down Down at Jesus’ feet Stand in him and him alone Gloriously complete Chorus (oddly enough, the hymn that inspired this song also inspired It Is Finished by Bifrost Arts–the same people that later formed The Porter’s Gate–so we could have done a Pre-Deconstruction V Post-Deconstruction comparison) How Can We Take the Lord’s Supper in a Worthy Manner? | Monergism “So, the best and only worthiness which we can bring to God, is to offer him our own vileness, and unworthiness, that his mercy may make us worthy: to despond in ourselves, that we may be consoled in him to humble ourselves, that we may be elevated by him to accuse ourselves, that we may be justified by him” John Calvin Thanks for listening The Balm of Gilead podcast is a member of the Tech Reformation family of podcasts. If you enjoy the show, please share it with others. We enjoy hearing from you, so join us on our Discord and let us know what you’re thinking. If email is more your thing, write to us at thereis <at> balmcast <dot> com. Thanks again and we’ll see you next time, Lord willing.
• 56 – Innovation or Manipulation? The Ethics of Using Technology in Christian Worship 28.02.2023 1j 7min

  Psalm 56 Psalm 56 Welcome “Hello and welcome back to the Balm in Gilead podcast, where we explore all things Christian music and worship. I’m your host, Bryan, and as always, I’m joined by my co-host, Grant. Today, we have a fascinating and thought-provoking topic to dive into – Artificial Intelligence and Christian worship music. What happens when AI writes Christian songs? Can machines truly capture the essence of worship, or is there something unique about human creativity and expression? We’re excited to explore these questions and more as we delve into the intersection of technology and faith. But that’s not all – we’ll also be discussing where worship comes from, and whether worship written by those outside the faith has a place in Christian worship. It’s a complex and nuanced topic, but we believe it’s important to engage with it as we seek to deepen our understanding of worship. So grab a cup of coffee, sit back, and join us for this exciting and thought-provoking episode. Let’s dive in!” (Yes, that’s written by ChatGPT, along with the title, and the excerpt. And the image #DallE) Philippians 1:15-18 English Standard Version 15 Some indeed preach Christ from envy and rivalry, but others from good will. 16 The latter do it out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. 17 The former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely but thinking to afflict me in my imprisonment. 18 What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice. Yes, and I will rejoice, This, coupled with the idea that a song does not need to be born out of worship to be useful for worship (which is a form of mysticism), allows for the use of any useful song in worship (so long as it has been proven useful based on its own merit through discernment). What We’re Listening To Grant Crown & Covenant Holly Dutton Time for Three, Letters from the Future Jeff Lippencott Colony House Bryan Everything and More and Come Alive back to back The Balm of Gilead – Mike Crawford and His Secret Siblings Things Unseen Filter it Through a Brain Cell Can AI/ML write a worship song? write a worship song that focuses on lament turning to praise Verse 1: Lord, I come before Your throne Heavy hearted, feeling alone My tears fall like rain As I cry out Your name Chorus: But in the midst of my pain I will lift up Your name My lament turns to praise For You are worthy all my days Verse 2: I pour out my soul to You My fears and doubts, my heart so true I lay it all at Your feet And trust in Your mercy sweet Chorus: But in the midst of my pain I will lift up Your name My lament turns to praise For You are worthy all my days Bridge: You are the God who sees You hear my every plea In Your arms I find peace My heart and soul released Chorus: But in the midst of my pain I will lift up Your name My lament turns to praise For You are worthy all my days Outro: So let the heavens sing Of Your love and everything For You have turned my sorrow Into a bright new tomorrow. The John Calvin “quote.” “The Lord commands us to worship him in a simple and unadorned manner, not in ways that are flashy, showy, or designed to impress others. Therefore, we should always be wary of using technology or other means to enhance or manipulate our worship. Instead, we should focus on the pure and sincere worship of God that comes from the heart.” ChatGPT ChatGPT, when asked, does give reference to Institutes of the Christian Religion Book II, Ch. 8, Section 17. The Institutes of the Christian Religion Book 2 Chapter 8 17. As in the first commandment the Lord declares that he is one, and that besides him no gods must be either worshipped or imagined, so he here more plainly declares what his nature is, and what the kind of worship with which he is to be honoured, in order that we may not presume to form any carnal idea of him. The purport of the commandment, therefore, is, that he will not have his legitimate worship profaned by superstitious rites. Wherefore, in general, he calls us entirely away from the carnal frivolous observances which our stupid minds are wont to devise after forming some gross idea of the divine nature, while, at the same time, he instructs us in the worship which is legitimate, namely, spiritual worship of his own appointment. The grossest vice here prohibited is external idolatry. This commandment consists of two parts. The former curbs the licentious daring which would subject the incomprehensible God to our senses, or represent him under any visible shape. The latter forbids the worship of images on any religious ground. There is, moreover, a brief enumeration of all the forms by which the Deity was usually represented by heathen and superstitious nations. By “any thing which is in heaven above” is meant the sun, the moon, and the stars, perhaps also birds, as in Deuteronomy, where the meaning is explained, there is mention of birds as well as stars (Deut 4:15). I would not have made this observation, had I not seen that some absurdly apply it to the angels. The other particulars I pass, as requiring no explanation. We have already shown clearly enough ([[OSIS:Calvinst.1.11.12]]) that every visible shape of Deity which man devises is diametrically opposed to the divine nature; and, therefore, that the moment idols appear, true religion is corrupted and adulterated. John Calvin, the real one Link: https://www.relight.app/resource/Calvinst.2.8.17 Thanks for listening The Balm of Gilead podcast is a member of the Tech Reformation family of podcasts. If you enjoy the show, please share it with others. We enjoy hearing from you, so join us on our Discord and let us know what you’re thinking. If email is more your thing, write to us at thereis <at> balmcast <dot> com. Thanks again and we’ll see you next time, Lord willing.
• 55 – Deconstructing Reconstructing Deconstruction 07.02.2023 1j 24min

  Psalm 55 Psalm 55 on Relight Welcome The Rev. Aaron De Boer (Associate Reformed Presbyterian, ARP) joins us this week. Follow him on Twitter at @DutchPresby and visit Friend of Sinners church that he pastors in Everson and Maple Falls, WA. For more info visit their website FriendofSinnersReformed.org What We’re Listening to Bryan I have been listening to the album When I Was Younger by Colony House. My van is acting finicky in the cold weather and it’s doing weird things to my battery, so I have unplugged everything that might possibly be a problem, include the aux cable I use to connect my phone (no Bluetooth in this van, and no I don’t think that is actually an issue, but I would rather be safe than have to pay for another battery). I have the physical album in the CD player and I’m just listening to it on repeat. It would probably still be 5 Score, but the last two tracks skip which stinks because they are the best two songs. CH also released their 4th album this week: Cannonballers. While You & I is still arguably their best song (from their second album), this album is fantastic upon first listen. Very cohesive. It is a summer album released on a day where it is 13 degrees here, so kinda weird but it works. Not a work of high art, but it will probably do better than their third album on the charts. I think “Trying to Survive” is my favorite song on the album. It is clearly political, but not slap-you-in-the-face political. Definitely referring to current issues but is still evergreen. Well constructed lyrics to accomplish all that. That said, I still hate the opening line lol. I have tried to expand my horizons and find some other Metal in particular that I like. I actually want to find a band that incorporates banjo into their metal, and while there seems to be a decent amount, none of the lyrics pass the car seat test (I wouldn’t feel comfortable with my littles listening as well). Aaron Andrew Remillard Grant Top 5 Artists This Month Crown & Covenant Ola Gjello Peter Gregson Colony House Jeff Lippencott Album of note The Cannonballers – Colony House like Bryan said Top 5 Songs This Month Cannonballers – Colony House One of Those Days – Colony House Would Ya Could Ya – Colony House Sunshine – The National Parks Landlocked Surf Rock – Colony House Mention a song you can’t get enough of One of Those Days – Colony House I’m 99% Obscure Next week, I’ll listen to something more interesting. Join us on Discord, follow on Spotify, or Last.fm Main Topic: Reconstructing Deconstruction Plumb is a CCM artist closer to the fringe than the mainstream. Formed by singer/songwriter Tiffany Arbuckle, Plumb’s first album debuted in 1997 and her latest was the album Behold that released in 2020. At some point along that journey, she describes herself as deconstructing, a phenomenon we’ve talked about on our show before, particularly regarding former CCM artists or evangelical figures. “Deconstructing” begins from the belief that there is no one way we can decide what is true. Since Christianity relies on a divinely inspired and inerrant text, it too must go and be replaced by something new. The concept of deconstruction was developed by philosopher Jacques Derrida in 1967 and came into more popular use in the 1980s. Today it is a favorite tool of the Critical theorists. As the term suggests, it is a tearing down of institutions, but his goal was not anarchy. John Feinberg says,  “Instead, the goal of deconstructing so as to admit the coming or entrance of the other is to reconstruct society to be a new society that empowers all people and hears equally all different perspectives.  Feinberg, J. S. (2001). No One Like Him: The Doctrine of God (p. 143). Crossway Books. This is what Arbuckle says essentially this about her faith in a recent Facebook post writing, “deconstructing for the purpose of reconstructing our faith.” At first, it might sound harmless, maybe even a positive step. Yet as Paul reminds us in 1 Timothy 1:19, rejecting the prophecies handed down to us results in a “shipwreck in regard to their faith.”  Modern English Version (Thinline Edition, 1 Ti 1:19). (2014). Passio. Sophia Society Rachel Held Evans Questions Thinking about people that are drawn to deconstruction, is this something that could be helped by sitting down with him or her and asking them about what assurance they get from a “faith” in deconstruction? How do we talk with someone who claims they are now deconstructing their faith so they can reconstruct it? It strikes me that the deconstructionist must first deny God’s revelation of Himself since that is a statement that God is the source of all truth. How can our churches ensure a robust defense of revelation and would such a defense head off these doctrines from our churches? Where do we start with someone who thinks of themself as deconstructing?  Is there a good way to deconstruct/reconstruct our faith or is this language that we should avoid? Rev Aaron De Boer (ARP) @DutchPresby FriendofSinnersReformed.org Recent Church History Personal interactions Ecclesial interactions Biblical/Confessional Theology Bryan’s Thoughts Initial thoughts:  She is seemingly incorrectly using the term “deconstruct”, so we would want to have a segment where we carefully discuss differences between “deconstructing” and “testing the spirits/preparing a defense/etc.” I don’t know what she means by “un-Christlike” behavior tied to the label “Christian”. Her lack of example gives me a great deal of pause. Is she talking about “Christian Nationalism”, “Westboro Baptists”, or the Christian baker who wouldn’t bake the cake? We don’t know, and that greatly effects the rest of what she says.  #2 is also a play straight out of the left playbook, where they make an unsubstantiated Truth claim about “Christianity” and then move on. The actual Truth is that there is no difference between the two terms she lists—”Christian” and “Christ Follower”—and claiming to identify with one over the other is playing into the hand of the zeitgeist. Based on everything else she said, I think she actually might be deconstructing. The story of the Bereans Acts 17:11 Now these Jews were more noble than those in Thessalonica; they received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so. Having a defense of the faith 1 Peter 3:14b Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, 15 but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, 16 having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. Testing the spirits 1 John 4:1 Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world. 2 By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is from God, 3 and every spirit that does not confess Jesus is not from God. This is the spirit of the antichrist, which you heard was coming and now is in the world already. Examining what you believe with discernment in order to weed out false theology that has crept in (in order to purify your faith system) is fundamentally different (almost 180⁰ different) from deconstruction. Deconstruction, at its core, seeks to break down orthodox teaching and rebuild something new that fits into today’s culture but still has an “orthodox” feel to it. I will keep all of the teaching where Jesus talks about loving your neighbor, but I will reject that he said “I did not come to bring peace, but a sword”. I will then be able to redefine loving my neighbor as “affirming the sin in all my lost friends’ lives” and label “not baking the cake” as bigoted and hateful. Martin Luther, reexamined his faith system by comparing his beliefs with the foundation of Scripture, keeping the blocks that matched up while nailing the ones that didn’t to the church door.  Related Episodes Check these other episodes out (Bonus Content) Community Deconstruction 32 – Earth Has No Sorrow: Dustin Kensrue’s Deconstruction, Review of “The Grey” by Thrice, and Reviews of “Departures” and “Jesus, I Have My Doubts” by Jon Foreman 46 – Mars Hill Music: The Modern Post 41 – Not What My Hands Have Done: Understanding Excellence in the Craft of Lyrics and Music Thanks for listening The Balm of Gilead podcast is a member of the Tech Reformation family of podcasts. If you enjoy the show, please share it with others. We enjoy hearing from you, so join us on our Discord and let us know what you’re thinking. If email is more your thing, write to us at thereis <at> balmcast <dot> com. Thanks again and we’ll see you next time, Lord willing.
• 54 – 2022 Spotify Wrapped 26.01.2023 1j 37min

  Psalm 54 We love talking about music on the show and this week we talk about our top picks from 2022. Do you agree with us? Find something interesting? Let us know, follow us on Spotify or Last.fm and drop a comment below.
• Presbycast Crossover – Music for the Church and the Christian 10.01.2023 1j 37min

  Chortles Weakly and Wresby of the excellent Presbycast podcast join us to talk all things Christian music—from the business, to worship, to personal devotions and even for entertainment purposes. We had a lot of fun…maybe a little too much! Be sure to subscribe to their show: https://presbycast.libsyn.com/ Watch the show: https://youtu.be/s_aOPPt1gc4 We begin our discussion with Brett McCracken’s recent article for TGC, Best Christian Music of 2022, and we have a few questions. Is the music coming from an earnest desire to glorify Christ and an authentic, unapologetic love for God’s Word? Even if it’s not in the “worship genre” (whatever that is), does the music cultivate in listeners greater love for the Christian God? If yes, we can call it Christian music. “I disagree with his definition of Christian Music, though I think it is a good attempt to capture and include what the majority of people would label Christian music. I think a better definition would be “songs that carefully consider Scripture and theology and apply these truths rightly to the world, to the people in the world, and especially to the Christian life”. This takes the focus off of “earnest desires” or misguided intentions and puts it on measurable objective content markers. Most CCM would not fit that definition, but any song that does not do what my definition requires is actually a syncretistic work of paganism, so I stand by my definition.” Bryan We also discuss instrumentation in worship, especially considering the places like Psalm 150 where it says to praise God with the clashing cymbals. This also leads into a discussion of contemporaneity and what music is good to listen to or perform in worship to in the car. There is a good chunk of this subject that falls into Christian Liberty. In any case, we had a great time and hope to see you again soon! Thanks for listening The Balm of Gilead podcast is a member of the Tech Reformation family of podcasts. If you enjoy the show, please share it with others. We enjoy hearing from you, so join us on our Discord and let us know what you’re thinking. If email is more your thing, write to us at thereis <at> balmcast <dot> com. Thanks again and we’ll see you next time, Lord willing.
• Flying Duo: Advent Music with Renee Emerson 13.12.2022 34min

  Balm in Gilead host Bryan Emerson and his wife Renee Emerson discuss their Advent Playlist as well as their thoughts on Christmas/Seasonal Music. Worth noting, we added an Advent Birmingham album after the recording.
• Bonus Episode: Flying Duo (For Real This Time) 29.11.2022 1j 18min

  Bryan got to hang out with Grant and we decided to turn on the camera and see what happens. Credits due to O Creative One by Providence, Eustace Scrubb by Sarah Sparks, Saints by Poor Bishop Hooper, and Behold the Man by Spencer Parsons. We also sang Psalm 42D from The Book of Psalms for Worship and How Firm a Foundation. Watch this one on YouTube! Thanks for listening The Balm of Gilead podcast is a member of the Tech Reformation family of podcasts. If you enjoy the show, please share it with others. We enjoy hearing from you, so join us on our Discord and let us know what you’re thinking. If email is more your thing, write to us at thereis <at> balmcast <dot> com. Thanks again and we’ll see you next time, Lord willing.
• 53 – Revisiting the Kensrule 15.11.2022 1j 25min

  Psalm 53 Psalm 53 in the ESV – Hey, did you see that Relight now has the ESV and the KJV? Listen to the Episode We’re Back! This is our first episode back from our “summer” hiatus. Thanks for sticking with us. We start out by talking about what we’ve been up to and listening to. A big shoutout to Poor Bishop Hooper who has just completed their EveryPsalm series with Psalm 150. Main Topic: Revisiting the Royalties Argument A brief peek behind the curtain… Grant came up with the idea to revisit the topic from #14 since Psalm 53 and Psalm 14 are nearly identical. This was about a year ago. I came up with the idea to talk about holding in tension the Royalties Argument and the Kensrule. We all (this was back when Justin was still on the show, though it is worth noting that he is still active in the community) agreed that we wanted to give ourselves adequate time to prepare for this episode, because we all saw the potential for its helpfulness. We immediately came to a disagreement between the Presbyterians and Baptists on the understanding of the Kensrule  This disagreement led to 1) some good conversations about how Covenant theology trickles into worship and  2) some challenging conversations about mysticism in worship The second item in particular led me to personally dig very deeply into the subject, and as a result I have actually flipped on a few of my stances. Over the next few episodes I will address these changes. For the rest of this episode I want to share some of the details of the rabbit hole that very nearly led to the end of this podcast. Ultimately, the conversations I had led to three perspectives on how to interpret the Kensrule. The boring part of the conversation is that all three of these perspectives handedly said “there is no tension to hold between the royalties argument and the Kensrule: don’t play songs that pay real money to people who are using it against the kingdom of God”. I agree with this assessment, even more after having had these conversations. However, what I was really trying to pin down was this question: “Royalties aside (think “public domain”), does it take glory away from God to worship Him by singing a song that was written by an unregenerate, yet sincere church member in good standing with the church community and leadership?” This question is a big question, because it includes songs like “It Is Well With My Soul” which has been sung by many Christians for many decades, and it challenges the legitimacy of believers’ worship when they do choose these songs. It also raises the question of “how can I know for certain that this particular songwriter from 1873 was actually a Christian, and if he wasn’t a Christian, am I blaspheming God unknowingly by singing it?” These questions made me reconsider Psalmody Exclusivity once more, but ultimately I could see that there is a gnostic element to that line of thinking at its core, though on the surface it seems legitimate. Contemplating the question through months of conversation, I settled on three possible answers: Songwriters under the Abrahamic Covenant will receive the blessings of regularly hearing biblical teaching, regularly receive prayer from other members, and regularly be ministered through the spiritual gifts of other members. As such, this Covenant membership justifies their songwriting and makes it useful for congregational worship. This is a more or less original thought. It makes sense to me based on my understanding of the Covenant as well as my personal experience. However, since it is an original idea, and since there is no such thing as new doctrine, just old repackaged heresies, I was very nervous to keep promoting this idea, especially as Truth. For more information on what we believe about God’s Covenant with us, see Westminster Confession of Faith chapter 7 Songwriters who were never Christians never fully understood the gospel and were never able to worship God properly. As such, any song they wrote was ultimately to a god made in the likeness of the songwriter. Using this song takes glory away from God and is not useful for congregational worship. This thought comes from a more Reformed Baptist view of Covenant membership and rejects the idea of Covenantal abandonment. This is also taken to its logical conclusion regarding the glory of God. With both of these first two thoughts, however, we fall into the trap of seeing music as more mystical than it is. It can actually be very easy to treat music and songwriting as a sacrament! The final thought rejects the view of sacramental songwriting. Songwriters in good standing sitting under good teaching will tend towards having a better head knowledge of theology and can incorporate that knowledge into their songwriting. Also, in order for a song to be useful for congregational worship, there does not need to be an “original worship experience” that mystically makes it possible for future legitimate worship experiences. As such, each song should be judged for legitimacy only on its own merit through various discernment processes. This third view is the view I now hold. The Royalties (and the Guilt By Association) Arguments are still major things to consider, but as far as “The Origin Element” goes, nothing about a song’s origin gives it “worship legitimacy” nor does it take legitimacy away from the song. Thanks for listening The Balm of Gilead podcast is a member of the Tech Reformation family of podcasts. If you enjoy the show, please share it with others. We enjoy hearing from you, so join us on our Discord and let us know what you’re thinking. If email is more your thing, write to us at thereis <at> balmcast <dot> com. Thanks again and we’ll see you next time, Lord willing.
• Balmcast Flying Solo 3 – Mistakes Were Made 06.07.2022 23min

  As we close out season 4 of the Balm in Gilead podcast, Bryan takes to the airwaves to discuss the phrase “Mistakes were made” and how it relates to the recent Southern Baptist Convention (SBC). We’re taking a break as we’re all pretty busy, but are already planning our next slate of episodes. In the meantime, join us on our brand new Discord channel, we’ll see you there! Thanks for listening The Balm of Gilead podcast is a member of the Tech Reformation family of podcasts. If you enjoy the show, please share it with others. We enjoy hearing from you, so join us on our Discord and let us know what you’re thinking. If email is more your thing, write to us at thereis <at> balmcast <dot> com. Thanks again and we’ll see you next time, Lord willing.
• Episode 52.1 – Bonus episode The Non Sequiter to End All Non Sequiters 14.06.2022 20min

  Whenever FNH is on the show, he brings a wealth of interesting tangents and rabbit trails and Grant is only too happy to follow with Bryan close behind. Bryan is aware he forgot to readjust his vocal levels after cutting all this nonsense from the last episode and pasted it into a new audacity project. Enjoy! Thanks for listening The Balm of Gilead podcast is a member of the Tech Reformation family of podcasts. If you enjoy the show, please share it with others. We enjoy hearing from you, so join us on our Discord and let us know what you’re thinking. If email is more your thing, write to us at thereis <at> balmcast <dot> com. Thanks again and we’ll see you next time, Lord willing.
• Episode 52 – Into the Lantern Waste 02.06.2022 2j 19min

  Psalm Psalm 52 What We’re Listening To Bryan Psalms for Congregations vol. 2 Matt SearlsWestminster Shorter Catechism 1-10 with Brian Suave FNH The BibleUltimately RC SproulMake Believe HeroesRedemption Card GameSea Shanties for good Christian boys Grant Jenny Oaks BakerJeff LippencottCrown & CovenantSarah SparksThelonious Monk Follow Up We had a three week gap between episodes because I was unable to record a Flying Solo episode because I was too busy being on episode 9 of the Super Reformed Bros podcast.I want to make a clear distinction between what I will call “open handed criticism” and “closed handed criticism”.  Close handed criticism is based on objective issues found in the lyrics that do not line up with our core beliefs.  Open handed criticism is based on opinion and preference, and while important enough to discuss, doesn’t carry the same weight as close handed criticism.  In the last episode we pointed out what I will now call closed handed issues with the song Rest on Us by Maverick City, due to the song’s claims about the way the Spirit works that do not line up with Scripture.  We also talked about some nuanced issues we had with choice of words in the song O Creative One by Providence.  I want to make a clear distinction that the latter discussion was of open handed issues.  I might not choose the word “renovate” because of a nuanced implication that could be used to support the rejection of original sin, but this is an issue that could be easily addressed with liturgical padding or a brief definition of the word to set a proper context for hearing the song.  A similar example that I talked about on previous episodes as well a 6000 word essay on soundinworship.com (as well as on episode 9 of the Super Reformed Bros podcast), would be in the song “Reckless Love”, the use of the word “reckless” is a closed handed issue, because God is not reckless and saying otherwise is a misrepresentation of God; while the use of the word “worth” is an open handed issue that can be addressed to set a proper context (all things considered).  A major difference is that Cory Asbury has publicly explained what he meant by “worth”, and his explanation is not in line with Scripture; while I have no reason to believe, based on the context of all the rest of Providence’s music, that they are trying to deny Original Sin. Review: Into the Lantern Waste by Sarah Sparks Check out the Album Into the Lantern Waste “Into the Lantern Waste” serves as an introduction to this collection of songs. It collects beliefs held by Clive Staples Lewis (primarily referred to simply as C. S. Lewis) in lyrics directly inspired by his writings. In this introduction, Sarah positions the Chronicles of Narnia author as a wise man on a park bench, telling these “fairytales” to Sarah (and therefore, to us, the listeners). Grant’s awkward interruptionGreat C.S. Lewis YouTube that illustrates several of his works I met a man at the park on a bench He was looking at home with a paper and pen He said, “Daughter, I have been through the Shadowlands For to hurt is to love and to know that you can That you are not alone, we all are broken He said, “You cannot diminish the glory of God By refusing to worship, like if locked in a cell On the walls, you write ‘darkness’ to put out the sun So you might turn the page or you might shut the book But the truth is still truth even if you don't look” He spoke to me then, “Are you looking for truth? Or is it wishful thinking and comfort you choose? On the edge of a sword and the knot of a noose On the way to your death, should I reassure you? But the comfort will come, if you search for the truth” See here I’m still stuck on these fairytales With a lion, a wardrobe, and magic unveiled For there's truth in these pages, in each line I read I'm the boy that betrays him, I can clearly see But the lion that saves him is bleeding for me Lucy’s Tale I've been feeling so restless Got no place to call my own When I know I don’t belong There's no place to lay my head down Cause I'm just a wandering soul And in the end I feel alone Oh Tell me a story Of redemption You’re the only peace that I have ever known I've been so cold This long winter But there's something written Etched into this stone I've been living in the shadow Weeping over blood But yet to see the empty grave Cause I'm still hoping in the not yet Clouds are covering the sun But I'll believe while in the shade Oh Tell me a story Of redemption You're the only peace that I have ever known I've been so cold This long winter But there’s something written Etched into this stone I heard a roaring in the distance In the earth a trembling Like the crumbling of stone I looked down to see my footprints When never in my memory Had I seen the melting snow Blood for Blood Lyrics Had I seen the melting snow? I saw and trembled For this a power I did not know Though I was bound with chains She was cruel but beautiful And I was greedy And like a slave I then was sold By the way she said my name Father, save me! I the traitor I who knew and ran from Love I can hear the Condemnation In the rhythm of the drums Though I knew all hope was lost And this what I deserved I had been conquered by the frost But on my skin it burned Cause she had power over me At her touch I turned to stone But in her eyes I saw a fear A deeper magic than her own Father, save me! I the traitor I who knew and ran from Love I can hear the Condemnation In the rhythm of the drums And when I looked him in the eyes I felt the weight of all my sin For I knew what the law required A death for death, a traitor’s end But when I thought I feel his wrath Despaired and filled with shame He bent down to search my eyes With such love whispered my name Father, save me! I the traitor I who knew and ran from Love Father, can you Hear the Lion It is written Blood for blood The New Song of Trumpkin Lyrics Hear the trees? Hear them whispering They tell stories of a king And the forest wakes With a divine ache For His returning I've forgotten who I am And who You are Cause the truth is all my worth Can only be found in Your scar So I’m learning how to die Cause it's what You're asking for I’ve been blind To you every time Only shaken in your teeth Do I know enough Strangest kind of love But it's pain that ‘wakens me See the leaves Simple dying things Never were so beautiful Cause in their dying days What a glorious change For in death they turn to gold I will forget who I am For who You are Cause the truth is all my worth Can only be found in Your scars And I'm learning how to die Because I know who You are By His wounds I'm healed I for the first time feel Like this may not be the end Eustace Scrubb For the first in my life I’m not living a lie And I hate who I am I’ve become what I feared And I cried dragon tears Just to prove I’m a man I tried to change my appearance but I am not changed I’m just tired I tried to heal myself long before I met your gaze At the water I’m at your feet Would you tear into the deep of my heart To heal me? I’ve seen my own reflection I know the pain I’m in I’ve been a lonely wretch and I can’t get out of it As he looked through my eyes At the things I despised I felt pierced by his gaze But he peeled off my skin And he then threw me into The water to save me I wore this bracelet, bright and golden That overnight became a chain I was a lonely, wretched soul that Lost in the dark cried out your Name You cut me deep, I know I felt it But it’s the sweetest kind of pain Oh sweet relief, You took my burdens Oh I believe Oh I believe Puddleglum’s Anthem In the warmth of the sun I believed Circumstance often changes The way that I see For the first the time a shadow found me I doubted the sun for the lack of heat And I ran but He ran after me He said remember the signs So I said them each morning And held to them tight But at the first chill of the night I gave up His words for the warmth of a fire And traded His love for a lie I said I’ll never forget I will call out your name Through the storm until death But the crow came three times as He said And I held tight my tongue just to save my own head And I watched from the ground as He bled But oh You complete your plans With our broken hands You have shown I have seen you work Raising life up from the dirt This I know See that thread of sin? Seamlessly woven in This I know See the lion see the lamb You complete your plans This I know A Song for Jill I saw you on mountain I met you by the stream And I terrified at your sight A lion after me You asked if I was thirsty I said “If I don't drink I will surely die here be dry Lying by the stream” He said, “Dear child, come farther For this the only stream That will bring you life My supply is all that You will ever need He didn’t promise not to harm me He said, “I'll do no such thing For I am the law And in my jaw I've swallowed men, and mountains and kings.” It is so There is only one blood could have done What I have done And I know As so many do you may run But I am your only hope There is only one blood could have done What I have done It is so I am justice and wrath, I am love But I am your only hope I am in the light, I am in the shade I am in the wind, I am in the waves Shasta’s Complaint Waves that beat upon the shore, they brought no peace Somewhere else I must belong, somewhere for me Who was it left me there, a boy scared and alone? No, I don’t think you heard me calling, always thought, He must not know Surely He would never leave me, wouldn’t leave me here alone You tell me now that I was never on my own? Well pardon me, I don’t remember you at all Cause with my back against the tomb, I called you out But I don’t think I heard your answer, I don’t think I heard a sound I don’t recall you in my anger or remember you around But He answered, “Who are you to question me? Do you command the mountains or calm the raging sea? For I am the current, there to save your life A man may find his eye deceiving, a fool holds on to trust his sight A wise man knows that his own feeling may not with the truth align And you think that you have never seen my face? But every moment you’re alive, you know my grace For only death in this whole world is justly deserved And you say that I never answer, just because you have not heard But you don’t know yet how to listen or to understand my words My love, I cared for you I was the comfort you felt in the house of the dead I drove from you Beasts in the night, all of this I have done while you slept All by my design Every chapter and word I’ve written every line All by my design Every chapter and word I’ve written every line" Digory’s Regret Lines from the spell that were meant for destruction Words tasted bitterly sweet on my tongue Polly warned me but I wanted freedom Even then I knew just what I done No one says it but mother is dying No one says it but we’re all afraid I can hear what they say in the hallways Whispering on the number of days Now a Genesis newly corrupted Now a story to start with a fall All because I could never keep quiet Just a tongue that brings ruin to all Wait, I hear A voice that’s singing A song I’ve never known before The very chord Awakes and praises it’s Maker as the earth is formed Wait, I see There in the lion’s eye A tear much greater than my own Could it be that He possesses a A greater love than I ever known Come Further Up There’s a song that I’ve wanted To sing for so long But the tune is just out of my grasp I may see for a moment When the lights reflects gold But so delicate, slips from my hand Every word that I sing Is a cheap imitation Of things that I don’t understand Light reflecting on water The picture gets harder to see With the eyes of a man I hear “Come further up, Come further in The greatest story, none on earth have read” So I’ll search for the melody Offering everything Till I am called out by name Cause the chord that was struck On the strings of my heart Is still echoing throughout my frame And when this long day ends And the morning begins And the Song that has found me I’ll sing! Written over my bones In a carving on stone By a rose, let my epitaph read Come further up Come further in My greatest story Has yet to be read Marvel of Marvels Of all that He said I who am nothing He called beloved
• Episode 51 – Song v Song: Review of “Rest on Us” by Maverick City and “O Creative One” by Providence 11.05.2022 1j 31min

  Psalm Psalm 51 What We’re Listening To What are we listening to Spencer PsallosEDM ResearchSteven Curtis Chapman – The Great Adventure album Bryan Providence  Grant Jenny Oaks BakerCrown & CovenantSpencer ParsonsCharlie Grey and Joseph PeachGian Piero ReverberiBonus: Natalie GrantBonus2: European Jazz Trio Studio C – The Other Way to Rob a Bank Why do song vs. song?  What is the role of the Holy Spirit in our lives today? | GotQuestions.orgJohn 16 ESV – “I have said all these things to you – Bible Gateway Song vs. Song Rest on Us Song by Maverick City Music and UPPERROOM Listen Now (When reading through this song, I’m going to skip the “spontaneous” sections, since I assume they were not as diligently/intentionally written as the rest of the song, but we can talk about them on that back end) Verse 1 [As the Spirit was moving over the waters / Spirit, come move over us / [Come rest on us] x2] x2 Chorus [So come down / Spirit, when You move You make my heart pound / When You fill the room You're here and I know You are moving / I'm here and I know You will fill me] x2 Spontaneous 1 Hey / [Come fill us up] x3 [Verse 1] Verse 2 [Fire and wind, come and do it again / Open up the gates, let Heaven on in / [Come rest on us] x2] x2 [Chorus] Spontaneous 2 Won't You fill me afresh? / Fill me afresh Bridge [Holy Spirit, come rest on us / [You're all we want] x2] x6 [Chorus x2] Spontaneous 3 'Cause You love to meet us here / [Baptize us afresh tonight] x2 O Creative One Song by Providence Providence Church – Austin Listen now Verse 1 O Spirit of God, come guide / Awaken us to behold the Christ Direct our affections / And hopes to the heavens / O Spirit, guide O Spirit of God, come breathe / Reveal the truth, your wisdom speak Revive and refresh us / By your word and your presence / O Spirit, breathe Chorus Come with your light and your truth / Come sanctify, and renew O Creative One / Renovate our hearts Verse 2 O Spirit of God, come fill / Enable us to do Your will To love justice and mercy / And walk with you humbly / O Spirit, fill To love one another / To worship none other / O Spirit, fill [Chorus] Bridge/Tag [Glory to you, our Counselor / Glory to you, our Comforter Renovate us, Consecrate us / In your power and love] x2 Other Show Links Check out the Questions for Christian Music Discernment Presbygirls #5: On Charity w/ Rosaria ButterfieldShasta’s Complaint by Sarah Sparks Westminster Confession of Faith 16:3 Their ability to do good works is not at all of themselves, but wholly from the Spirit of Christ. And that they may be enabled thereunto, besides the graces they have already received, there is required an actual influence of the same Holy Spirit to work in them to will and to do of his good pleasure; yet are they not hereupon to grow negligent, as if they were not bound to perform any duty unless upon a special motion of the Spirit; but they ought to be diligent in stirring up the grace of God that is in them. Link: https://beta.relight.app/resource/WCF.16.3  The Mixolydian Mode | THE SOUND OF ROCK 1 John 4 (KJV) Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world. Thanks for listening The Balm of Gilead podcast is a member of the Tech Reformation family of podcasts. If you enjoy the show, please share it with others. We enjoy hearing from you, so join us on our Discord and let us know what you’re thinking. If email is more your thing, write to us at thereis <at> balmcast <dot> com. Thanks again and we’ll see you next time, Lord willing.
• Balmcast Flying Solo 2 – Jack Lewis, The Trinity, and Oceans 26.04.2022 23min

  Bryan is back with another Flying Solo. Check it out on YouTube too!
• Episode 50 – Review of the album Jars of Clay with JB Floggington 13.04.2022 2j 4min

  Psalm Psalm 50 Jars of Clay’s self titled album review Liquid Arms nailed down / Are you telling me something? Eyes turned out / Are you looking for someone? This is the one thing / The one thing / The one thing that I know Blood stained brow / Are you dying for nothing? Flesh and blood / Is it so elemental? This is the one thing / The one thing / The one thing that I know Blood stained brow / He wasn't broken for nothing. Arm nailed down / He didn't die for nothing / He didn't die for nothing This is the one thing / The one thing / The one thing that I know Sinking It's not my problem anymore / You see it never really was So you can stop caring as you call it / And I'll be fine right here You see that I can play / A pretty convincing role So I don't need you / I don't think I need you But you see through my forever lies / And you are not believing And I see in your forever eyes / And you are forever healing You can't hear what I'm not saying / And I can hold out long enough Treading water I keep from sinking / I'm not one for reaching You see that I can play / A pretty convincing role So I don't need you / I don't think I need you But you see through my forever lies / And you are not believing And I see in your forever eyes / And you are forever healing Love Song for a Savior In open fields of wild flowers / She breathes the air and flies away She thanks her Jesus for the daisies / And the roses in no simple language Someday she'll understand / The meaning of it all He's more than the laughter / Or the stars in the heaven As close as a heartbeat / Or song on her lips Someday she'll trust Him / And learn how to see Him Someday He'll call her / And she will come running She fall in His arms / The tears will fall down / And she'll pray I want to fall in love with you (x4) Sitting silent wearing Sunday best / The sermon echoes through the walls A great salvation through it / Calls to the people Who stare into nowhere / And can't feel the chains on their souls He's more than the laughter / Or the stars in the heaven As close as a heartbeat / Or song on her lips Someday we'll trust Him / And learn how to see Him Someday He'll call us / And we will come running We'll fall in His arms / The tears will fall down / And we'll pray I want to fall in love with you (x4) We want to pray It seems to easy to call You 'Savior' / Not close enough to call You 'God' So as I sit and think of / The words I can mention To show my devotion I want to fall in love with you (x4) Like a Child Dear God / Surround me as I speak The bridges that I walk / Across are weak And the frustrations fill the / Void that I can't solely bear Dear God / Don't let me fall apart You've held me close to you / But I have turned away And searched for answers / I can't understand They say that I can move the mountains / And send them falling to the sea They say that I can walk on water / If I would follow and believe With faith like a child Sometimes, / When I feel miles away And my eyes can't see your face / I wonder if I've grown to lose The recklessness I walked in / Light of you They say that I can move the mountains / And send them crashing to the sea They say that I can walk on water / If I would follow and believe With faith like a child They say that love can heal the broken / They say that hope can make you see They say that faith can find a Savior / If you would follow and believe with faith like a child Art in Me Images on the sidewalk / Speak of dream's descent Washed away by the storms / To graves of cynical lament Dirty canvases to call my own Protest limericks carved / By the old pay phone And in your picture book / I'm trying hard to see Turning endless pages / Of this tragedy Sculpting every move / You compose a symphony And you plead to everyone / See the art in me Broken stained glass windows / The fragments ramble on Tales of broken souls / An eternity's been won As critics scorn the thoughts / And works of mortal man My eyes have drawn to you / In awe once again And in your picture book / I'm trying hard to see Turning endless pages / Of this tragedy Sculpting every move / You compose a symphony And you plead to everyone / See the art in me He Don't try to reach me / I'm already dead The pain when it grips me / For things that I've done Well I try to make you proud / But for crying out loud Just give me a chance to hide away Exhaustion takes over / Will this someday be over? Fearful tears are running down / The pain you've laid don't speak a sound Don't take my heart away from me / And they think I fell down again Daddy don't you love me / Then why do you hit me? And Momma don't you love me / Then why do you hurt me? Well I've tried to make you proud / But for crying out loud Just give me a chance to hide away Exhaustion takes over / Will this someday be over? Fearful tears are running down / The pain you've laid don't speak a sound Don't take my heart away from me / And they think I fell down again A teardrop falls / From up in the heavens Drowning the sorrow of angels in high For the least of the helpless / The hopeless, the loveless My Jesus, His children, / He holds in His arms He loves you, He sees you, / He knows you, protects you, He needs you, He holds you Boy on a String The marionette has your number / He's pulling your arms and legs 'Til you can't stand on your own / Dragging your conscience on the stage And your heart gets rearranged / And you cannot tell you mentor / From you Maker Look at the crowd bleeding with laughter / Or the way you entertain at beckon call They don't see behind the lights / Or the painted background / They just like to see you fall But you don't really mind / And you're just wasting time You don't feel anything / You're a boy on a string I feel a sadness like Gapetto / Watching the life that he created run away Seeing the puppeteer's intrusion / And holding the remains / Of puppets that had rotted away One day the curtain will not open / And all of the crowds will go away Someday those strings will choke you / But until that day But you don't really mind / And you're just wasting time You don't feel anything / You're a boy on a string Flood Rain, rain on my face / Hasn't stopped raining for days My world is a flood / Slowly I become one with the mud But if I can't swim after 40 days / And my mind is crushed by the crashing waves Lift me up so high that I cannot fall / Lift me oh Lift me up / When I'm falling / I'm weak and I'm dying I need you to hold me / Keep me from drowning again Downpour on my soul / Splashing in the ocean, I'm losing control Dark sky all around / Can't feel my feet touching the ground But if I can't swim after 40 days / And my mind is crushed by the crashing waves Lift me up so high that I cannot fall / Lift me oh Lift me up / When I'm falling / I'm weak and I'm dying I need you to hold me / Keep me from drowning again Calm the storms that drench my eyes / And dry the streams still flowing Casting down all waves of sin / And guilt that overthrow me Worlds Apart I am the only one to blame for this / Somehow it all ends up the same Soaring on the wings of selfish pride / I flew too high and like Icharus I collide With a world I try so hard / To leave behind To rid myself of all but love / To give and die To turn away and not become / Another nail to pierce / The skin of one who loves More deeply than the ocean / More abundant than the tears / Of a world embracing every heartache Can I be the one to sacrifice / Or grip the spear and watch / The blood and water flow To love you, take my world apart / To need you, I am on my knees To love you, take my world apart / To need you, broken on my knees All said and done I stand alone /Amongst the remains of life I should not own It takes all I am to believe / In the mercy that covers me Did you really have to die for me? / All I am for all you are Because what I need / And what I believe / Are worlds apart And I pray To love you, take my world apart / To need you, I am on my knees To love you, take my world apart / To need you, broken on my knees I look beyond the empty cross / Forgetting what my life has cost And wipe away the crimson stains / And dull the nails that still remains More and more I need you now / I owe you more each passing hour Battle between grace and pride / I gave up not so long ago So steal my heart and take the pain / Wash the feet and cleanse my pride Take the selfish, take the weak / And all the things I cannot hide Take the beauty, take my tears / The sin-soaked heart and make it yours Take my world all apart / Take it now, take it now And serve the ones that I despise / Speak the words I can't deny Watch the world I used to love / Fall to dust and thrown away I look beyond the empty cross / Forgetting what my life has cost Wipe away the crimson stains / And dull the nails that still remain So steal my heart and take my pain / Take the selfish, take the weak And all the things I cannot hide / Take the beauty, take my tears Take my world apart, take my world apart / I pray, and I pray, and I pray Take my world apart / Worlds apart Blind Cynical, just your way / You play the doubting Thomas / Feel the scars and wipe the stains So you fight, and retreat / And talk yourself out of believing / in any peace that you can't see Blind words you call / Blind words will fall You're logical, you can't find / any reason to believe in love / you are blind Crucify, and deny, pass the blame and burn the mission / Till dust remains and wash your hands Blind words you call / Blind words will fall Four Seven (secret track) We have this treasure / in earthen vessels to show that this power / is from God, and not from us Thanks for listening The Balm of Gilead podcast is a member of the Tech Reformation family of podcasts. If you enjoy the show, please share it with others. We enjoy hearing from you, so join us on our Discord and let us know what you’re thinking. If email is more your thing, write to us at thereis <at> balmcast <dot> com. Thanks again and we’ll see you next time, Lord willing.
• Episode 49 Part 2 – A Conversation with Jesse Roberts of Poor Bishop Hooper 29.03.2022 1j 7min

  Bryan sits down with Jesse Roberts of Poor Bishop Hooper to finish the discussion on their first album, Foreign Made. Check out Poor Bishop Hooper’s website for more on their music.
• Episode 49 Part 1 – Review of Poor Bishop Hooper’s Album Foreign Made 16.03.2022 1j 47min

  Psalm Psalm 49 What We’re Listening To Bryan Poor Bishop Hooper, Foreign Made Grant PsallosPoor Bishop HooperCrown & CovenantHolly DuttonCharlie Gray and Joseph PeachSpencer Parsons, Psalm 2 Foreign Made Review Tree Oh Tree Mark 11:12-25 and Matthew 21:18-22 First song on their first album. This is how the world will meet you–a cursed tree and minor undertones. Battle Luke 12:49-56 and Mark 14:27-28 If we’re faithful to Christ, we will rock the boat.  Treasure Luke 12:13-34 Where is your treasure? Earth or heaven? Saints John 8:6-11, 17:9-12 and Revelation 19:11-18 Lamplight Luke 12:35-47 Risk On Me Matthew 25:14-30 Does the line “When He returns…” refer in the melody in the concept to When I survey the Wondrous Cross? Final Fire Matthew 6:19-24, 10:9-40 and Luke 16:10 A Ghost To Guide You Matthew 18:21-35 and John 20:21-23 The Whole Sight of You Mark 4:10-11, 6:50-52 and Ezekiel 36:26 1 Peter 1:12? Exodus 33:17-23 He Loved Us to the End Matthew 26:17-30 and John 13:1-17 Sons of Zebedee Matthew 20:20-28 Thanks for listening The Balm of Gilead podcast is a member of the Tech Reformation family of podcasts. If you enjoy the show, please share it with others. We enjoy hearing from you, so join us on our Discord and let us know what you’re thinking. If email is more your thing, write to us at thereis <at> balmcast <dot> com. Thanks again and we’ll see you next time, Lord willing.
• 48 – Review of Psallos’ Album Philippians with Special Guest Spencer Parsons 25.02.2022 2j 26min

  Psalm Psalm 48 Welcome Spencer! Check him out on Spotify! Or other popular music services like Apple or YouTube Music. What We’re Listening To Spencer Listen to his music such as Psalm 1. Bryan Mars Hill Music Grant Crown & CovenantPoor Bishop HooperBBC Scottish Symphony OrchestraPsallos Main Topic: Philippians Listen to the album with the Bible pulled up next to you. Also, visit Psallos’ website to learn more about them. The story behind Goin’ Home. Hymnos Christou English Lyrics. Send Spencer your favorite choral pieces by visiting our Slack or emailing us at thereis *at* balmcast *dot* com. Not a member on Slack? Join today! Thanks for listening The Balm of Gilead podcast is a member of the Tech Reformation family of podcasts. If you enjoy the show, please share it with others. We enjoy hearing from you, so join us on our Discord and let us know what you’re thinking. If email is more your thing, write to us at thereis <at> balmcast <dot> com. Thanks again and we’ll see you next time, Lord willing.
• Balmcast Flying Solo 1 CCM is a Broken System 11.02.2022 34min

  Bryan goes solo with both Grant and Justin out. This is our first video podcast too! Check it out on YouTube Thanks for listening The Balm of Gilead podcast is a member of the Tech Reformation family of podcasts. If you enjoy the show, please share it with others. We enjoy hearing from you, so join us on the Tech Reformation Slack and let us know what you’re thinking. If email is more your thing, write to us at thereis <at> balmcast <dot> com. Thanks again and we’ll see you next time, Lord willing.
• 47 Bonus ep 3: This one’s a little weird 22.01.2022 6min

  Episode 47 bonus episode 3. It was getting late and the guys hopped from the serious to the banal with amazing alacrity. Thanks for listening The Balm of Gilead podcast is a member of the Tech Reformation family of podcasts. If you enjoy the show, please share it with others. We enjoy hearing from you, so join us on our Discord and let us know what you’re thinking. If email is more your thing, write to us at thereis <at> balmcast <dot> com. Thanks again and we’ll see you next time, Lord willing.