Agabus (mark adams)

Every Christian needs a set of principles for interpreting the Bible, for discussing God’s word among believers, for “no prophecy of scipture is a matter of one’s own interpretation…” (2 Peter 1:20). One idea, a rule, you might say, is, “In essentials, unity. In non-essentials, liberty. In all things, charity.”

Above all things theology should unite. Jesus prays, “Holy Father, keep them in your name, which you have given me, that they may be one, even as we are one” (John 17:11). And Paul writes, “I… urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called… eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace” (Ephesians 4:3). The church is under an obligation to maintain unity and orthodoxy, not one at the expense of the other. This is an especially difficult challenge, but God lays it before us nevertheless.

Read the rest of this entry »

On August 6, just two days before the Olympics began, Pastor Zhang “Bike” Mingxuan was arrested, along with his wife and a coworker. In response to these arrests, The Voice of the Martyrs and China Aid Association have launched a petition drive to free these three Christians and to let the Chinese government know that the world is aware that these Christians are being detained.

Pastor Bike, as he is affectionately known, is considered to be one of the most outspoken evangelists in China. He is a bold believer willing to cross borders, hand out Christian literature and Bibles, share Christ with those under age 18 and lead thousands to Christ. All these actions are considered “illegal,” in communist China. Earlier this year, Pastor Bike pleaded with VOM staff and China Aid Association to create the China Prayer Bands so that Christians in the free world could know more about persecution of Christians in China.

Sign the Petition to Free Pastor Bike

“Pastor Bike is willing to do everything that the state church won’t do,” says Tom White, executive director of The Voice of the Martyrs. “The love of Christ is evident in his outreach and his passion for souls. He stands for everything we believe in and has been mercilessly persecuted by the Chinese government.”  read more about Pastor Bike

Help Free Pastor Bike.

This entry is somewhat long, so here’s an abstract:

1. I performed a full set of mostly original material. Set-list and live recording here.
2. Max Capestany and Matt Masih were great: http://myspace.com/mattmasihmusic — check out Matt Masih’s awesome, self-title CD. Max Capestany’s “Fortune Teller,” performed at Rock on the Mount, is on the disc. Great music, great instruments.
3. JJ Heller and her husband/guitarist are extraordinary. She’s offering a free digital recording at http://jjheller.com. You have got to get this download.
4. Matthew Stewart of Mountain Bible Church performed. Download: Matthew’s set.

Read the rest of this entry »

Click here to view images from my photo album at Flickr.

Here is the set list for July 23, 2008, Rock on the Mount:

1. Our Father (The Lord’s Prayer)
2. John the Baptist
3. If He Comes Tonight
4. To Highways Heading Home
5. I’ll Press On
6. Redemption (Johnny Cash)
7. Till He Comes Around
8. By the Sea
9. Peacemakers
10. Psalm 40
11. encore: Our Father (The Lord’s Prayer)

Unless otherwise indicated, all songs are originals.

Here is the live recording (right-click here to download 12 MB .wav file):
July 23, 2008, Rock on the Mount, Mark Adams (14)

You can hear demo versions of some of the songs here.

Unfortunately, while I knew and accepted the limitations of the microphone employed for this recording (it doesn’t pick up the bass range very well), I hadn’t given much thought to the recorder, an Olympus VN-240PC, which is better suited — apparently — for recording meetings. Much of the show suffers from horrible levels of distortion, but, as it’s the only recording of my performance, I offer it here.